Cultural Catholics

Over half of self-identified Catholics are regularly absent from the pews on Sunday. How do these cultural Catholics practice their faith and how can we better minister to them?

Who are “cultural Catholics” and how do we connect with them? Written by award-winning sociologist and professor of religion Maureen K. Day, Cultural Catholics tells the story of those who consider themselves Catholic, but infrequently attend Mass. This accessible book examines cultural Catholics on a range of topics, allowing readers to come to a better understanding of this group, and offers ministerial insights for connecting with and accompanying them on their spiritual journeys.

Cultural Catholics comprise just over half of self-identified Catholics in the United States. Typical efforts or questions of outreach come from parishes, but because most cultural Catholics are loosely tethered to parish life, the standard avenues of Catholic ministry do not reach them in any reliable way. Using a nationally representative survey of more than 1,500 American Catholics as well as insights from ministry leaders, this book allows readers to see the differences and similarities in how cultural Catholics relate to their faith compared to Catholics in the pews. It also explores cultural Catholics' religious beliefs and practices, political and civic commitments, parish experiences, and concludes with concrete, evidence-based pastoral approaches.

Maureen K. Day, PhD, is the associate professor of religion and society at the Franciscan School of Theology. She is also a research affiliate at the University of Southern California’s Center for Religion and Civic Culture and their Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies. Her work as a sociologist focuses on religion in American civic life, Catholic campus ministry, young adults, family, stewardship, and priestly well-being and support. She is an award-winning author and regularly gives public talks on issues related to pastoral ministry and church life.