In absolute numbers, the exits were highest in the populous Urfahr area with 828, followed by Freistadt with 597, Perg with 554 and Rohrbach with 375 exits. In all districts of the Mühlviertel, the number of leavers increased compared to 2020.
Bonds are looser
While it was unthinkable for generations of Mühlviertel residents to turn their backs on the church, for many the connection to church institutions has become looser.
The pandemic is also to blame for this, but not only: It is always challenging to create points of contact, especially for young people, says Abbot Lukas Dikany from Schlägl Abbey. Wherever the altar boy work works well, young people and families come to church. Or carol singing is a great experience for children and young people. The aim must always be to be close to people. Corona is of course an additional challenge for every parish. And not just because of the constantly changing regulations. Many churchgoers who used to come regularly have been lost to the pandemic. This worries the abbot and his confreres.
In the current situation, the believers can only be addressed to a limited extent. In addition, the financial situation of some may have gotten worse due to Corona and you save on the church contribution.
Difficult parish life
But it is not only the measuring operations that are restricted, parish life also suffers from ever-changing restrictions. The prelate is thinking, for example, of preparing for First Communion and Confirmation or of the parish council elections that are due in March. Until then, it is important to motivate believers to work in the parishes.
With all this, however, one should not forget to see the positive and to be happy about everyone who is involved in the church and who, despite the obligation to wear a mask, comes to mass every Sunday and takes part in parish life.
Source: Nachrichten
