Sacraments Summary
2024 Report
Summary
The archdiocese continues to experience a steady growth trend of 1 to 2% increase over the last 4 years measured by the rate of baptisms over deaths, but the rate of growth is slowing. The positive growth is largely attributed to the slowing of deaths over this period (after a post-pandemic spike) and the strong link of this data point to generational cycles. The aging of the Baby Boomer generation is expected to result in increases in the number of deaths in the next 10 years.
Ohio Demographics
Data on the population of the State of Ohio (regardless of religious affiliation) indicates a movement from a negative and towards a slow but positive population growth trend based on a decline in deaths as the major attributing factor even in the face of a positive upward pressure in the decline of the birth rate. Ohio births are still declining at around 1% annually over the last five years while the national decline averages are between 2 to 3% for the same period.
Archdiocesan Sacramental Celebrations
Data on the population of the State of Ohio (regardless of religious affiliation) indicates a movement from a negative and towards a slow but positive population growth trend based on a decline in deaths as the major attributing factor even in the face of a positive upward pressure in the decline of the birth rate. Ohio births are still declining at around 1% annually over the last five years while the national decline averages are between 2 to 3% for the same period.
Though we are seeing a slow increase in Sunday Mass attendance over the last 4 years we are also seeing a similar decrease in registered household numbers. This could indicate more attention to record keeping and settling into more accurate numbers, but this conclusion cannot be validated based on current data collection methods. It also may indicate more people who regularly attend Mass without registering in a parish.
First Communion and Confirmation
These indicators certainly show a slowing and decline in the sacramental practice of children in the Church starting with baptism. Both indicators have seen a slight increase in 2024, but the overall trend is downward and based on the decline in marriages and baptisms it is not expected to reverse over the next few years.
Marriages
Given that upstream marriage counts may drive downstream sacraments it is extremely concerning the consistent and significant marriage decline we see and can use as a future predictor of parish sacramental life. As we saw previously, general registered parishioner count declines maybe a factor here but it is also possible that non-Catholic partners are more influential at this time in a couple’s decision of the wedding venue and as a result the importance of the Marriage sacrament. Yes, interfaith marriage declines are also the largest diving force here but Catholic marriages at a growing decline of 2% or more should be a red flag and investigated within the parishes to better understand why this is happening locally and determine steps.
