The diocese of Green Bay is reporting some interesting results from its recent run of the “Catholics Come Home” series of ads:
This month, the diocese released survey findings that show Mass attendance increased an average of 7.4 percent after the commercials began to air.
In addition, more than 95 percent of parish leaders and parishioners reported that CCH had a positive influence on their lives. . . .
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Among the survey results:
• 55 percent of respondents talked more about faith matters in public places and 57 percent talked more with family and friends about faith matters;
• 53 percent of pastors and parish directors reported seeing an increase in participation in the sacrament of penance, while 33 percent noticed more calls to the parish or requests for membership information . . . .
The results were compiled based on a census of Mass attendance, an online survey, random calls to diocesan parishes, and feedback during “CCH gratitude dinners.” While some of these respondents would be self-selecting, to a certain extent, the cold calls and the Mass attendance numbers are interesting.
Also worth noting are the effects that the ads had upon people who are already Catholic. It makes sense: The ads are an inspiring reminder of the good works of the Catholic Church — something you’re not used to seeing much of on TV — which would make anyone take more pride in the Faith.
David Warren wrote last month that he was skeptical of these kinds of outreach programs, being heavier on the “feel-good” aspects of the Faith than the truth of it. And he’s right, to a degree — if these ads are getting people in the door, the big question then becomes: What next?
But if that “53 percent increase in confessions” figure is even remotely accurate, this seems like a solid start.