The fact that The Malta Independent found it opportune to comment editorially (18 November) about the Sunday Mass Census is appreciated.

However, it would appear that a clarification is required.

According to TMID’s leader writer “one wonders why the Curia left it so late to announce its own census. It would have been better to announce its intentions at the same time that the NSO launched its census campaign.

If the Curia did not want to give the exact date of its census, it could then have said that it would be held some time between the date of the announcement and the end of the year.”

One may wish to know that this is precisely what has been done: the Sunday Mass Census was announced in January.

Information regarding the census was first given to the local media during a press conference on the Pastoral Plan 2005-2006, held on 5 January. On that occasion, media representatives were informed that the census was being planned for later on during this year.

This announcement was repeated to media representatives during another press conference on the implementation of the pastoral plan, held on 30 September.

A handout distributed to media representatives (English version) on 5 January, states as follows: “Later this year there will also be a census of Mass attendance. This is held every 10 years in the Archdiocese with the purpose of giving renewed pastoral indications.”

On 6 January, a local English newspaper reported as follows: “Later this year a census of Mass attendance will also be held.”

Moreover, on 1 October, the same newspaper reported the following with regard to the press conference held the day before: “...while the government would be carrying out a census of the population, the Archdiocese would be conducting a census on Mass attendances, which would serve as an indicator for the Church’s work.”

Charles Buttigieg

Public Relations Officer

Archbishop’s Curia