National Church Life Survey (NCLS)

NCLS 2016

Over 355 Catholic parishes took part in the 2016 National Church Life Survey, along with parishes and congregations from around 20 other Christian denominations. Of these, 193 parishes were part of a national random sample, selected so as to ensure there was a representative sample of parishes from each diocese.
To view the overall Catholic results, click on the link below:

Denominational Church Life Profile: The Catholic Church in Australia in 2016

Special Report 1

Mass Attenders’ attitudes to the English translation of the Mass: A Report to the National Liturgical Council on questions included in the 2016 National Church Life Survey

In the 2016 NCLS, the National Liturgical Council commissioned two questions that appeared in questionnaires completed by 2,591 Mass attenders. These attenders were from the 193 Catholic parishes that made up the national random sample. Since the national random sample is statistically representative of all Catholic Church attenders in Australia, the findings of the survey can confidently be regarded as applying, with a high level of probability, to the whole Church in Australia.

The National Centre for Pastoral Research prepared a report on the results of the survey for the National Liturgical Council in May 2018. This report can be accessed at this link: Mass Attenders’ attitudes to the English translation of the Mass: A Report to the National Liturgical Council on questions included in the 2016 National Church Life Survey.

Special Report 2

Mass Attenders’ experiences of possible barriers to women and leadership roles in the Church: A Report to the Office for the Participation of Women on questions included in the 2016 National Church Life Survey.

Special Report 3

Mass attenders’ responses to the clergy sexual abuse crisis: A Report to the Truth Justice and Healing Council oOn questions included in the 2016 National Church Life Survey

Special Report 4

Mass Attenders’ views on selected migrant and refugee issues: A Report to the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office

Special Report 5

Mass Attenders’ faith and future involvement in the Catholic Church: A Report to the Office for Youth on questions included in the 2016 National Church Life Survey

Special Report 6

Mass attenders’ views and involvement in social justice: A Report to the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council

Special Report 7

Mass attenders’ views of Parish Pastoral Councils: A Report to the Bishops Commission for Pastoral Life (Laity)

Special Report 8

Mass attenders’ attitudes and practices on public policy and voting: A Report to the Public Policy Office

Special Report 9

Mass attenders’ views on children and schooling: A Report to the National Catholic Education Commission

Special Report 10

Mass attenders’ opinions on selected social issues: A Report to Catholic Social Services Australia

Special Report 11

Mass attenders’ thoughts on the work of Catholic Mission: A Report to the National Office of Catholic Mission

Special Report 12

Mass attenders’ awareness and impressions of the work of Caritas: A Report to Caritas Australia

NCLS 2011

Over 200 Catholic parishes took part in the 2011 NCLS, along with parishes and congregations from around 22 other Christian denominations. To view the overall Catholic results, click on the link below:

Denominational Church Life Profile: The Catholic Church in Australia in 2011

NCLS 2006

Over 300 Catholic parishes took part in the 2006 NCLS, along with parishes and congregations from around 20 other Christian denominations. To view the overall Catholic results, click on the link below:

Denominational Church Life Profile: the Catholic Church in Australia 2006

NCLS Research has created a series of Topic Papers for the Catholic Church in Australia based on results from the 2006 survey. Click on the link below to view each topic.

Topic Paper 1 – Age profile

Topic Paper 2 – New arrivals

Topic Paper 3 – Leadership

Topic Paper 4 – Vision

Topic Paper 5 – Inspire

Topic Paper 6 – Financial giving

Topic Paper 7 – Faith sharing

Topic Paper 8 – Community connections

Topic Paper 9 – Children & youth

Topic Paper 10 – Demographics

Topic Paper 11 – Leader strengths

NCLS 2001