The Absent from the Table project explored concepts relating to declining Mass attendance, which was a particular pastoral issue raised during the Plenary Council and the Synod of Bishops processes. “Attention to falling Mass attendance” was one of the key themes raised in the Final Report for the Plenary Council Phase 1: Listening and Dialogue, where participants voiced concern over the diminishing number of attendees. Decree Nine of the Plenary Council acknowledged the need for greater “renewal in catechesis, formation, and devotion” to the sacrament of the Eucharist. The Synod of Bishops Australian Synthesis report identified the “Importance of liturgy to faith” as one of its key themes, with respondents noting the reality of many Catholics not participating in the liturgical life of the Church for a variety of reasons and calling for “life-giving, faith-supporting celebrations with the opportunity to share their faith, and to heal and build community relationships”.
The research built on the 2007 study commissioned by the ACBC, Catholics who have stopped attending Mass, which focused on once active Catholics who had ceased participating in Mass and their parish, and the interpersonal, cultural and societal factors that led to their disengagement with liturgy and ecclesial life.
The Project
The study was conducted in two phases, employing a mixed-methods approach. Phase 1 involved an online survey of 1,973 self-selected Catholics aged 18 and over, during 2024. Phase 2 consisted of in-depth interviews with 67 volunteers from Phase 1 conducted from March to July 2025, providing qualitative insights into personal experiences and motivations.
The study focused on four key areas:
- Factors influencing a Catholic’s decision not to attend Sunday Mass
- Alternative forms of engagement with the Church
- Attitudes towards the Eucharist
- Implications for the wider Catholic community and church
A Research Reference Group guided the project, and the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Christian Research Association granted ethics approval.
The Executive Summary of this study can be viewed here: Executive Summary – Absent from the Table
The Final Report of this study can be viewed here: Final Report – Absent From the Table
Report Details: Trudy Dantis, Stephen Reid and Leith Dudfield, Absent from the Table: Catholics Who Do Not Regularly Attend Sunday Mass (Canberra: Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, September 2026).
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- Catholics who have stopped attending Mass (2007 study)
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