Progress, if it is actually the right word to use as more often than not a regression usually takes place, cannot be stopped.

Some 30 years ago, attendance for Sunday Mass surely reached the 90 per cent mark. A recent survey showed only a 52 per cent attendance for Sunday Mass. A proper analysis to seek to root of the problem would take up volumes, however certain factors that seem to contribute to the problem should be addressed.

It seems to be obvious that nowadays married couples are not spending enough time together, children do not see as much of their parents as they should and leisure time has been reduced to practically nil. These facts are surely not to be regarded as progress. They are a result of a highly consumer-oriented world, a society whose only objective is to be better than thy neighbour. A matter of an hour every Sunday to be close to God is too much and nobody seems to find the time for it.

The Church authorities need to come up with a solution whereby people will be more motivated to attend. An option could be the introduction of attending for Mass any day of the week rather than on Sunday. Saturday evenings, once introduced, have turned out to be popular with church-goers.

The conferment of the sacrament of Holy Communion following that of Confession without going into the liturgy of word is another option. The gospel of the day can be then be handed out in leaflets so it can be read at home. These are drastic measures but should be give due consideration considering the state of affairs.

Lino Callus

Balzan