Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

First Advisor

Robert G Franklin, Jr. PhD

Abstract

Shared parishes are churches that have services in more than one language. Pastors struggle with how to lead, unify, and pastorally respond as populations shift and demographics change. One-third of the Catholic parishes in the United States have Mass in more than one language every Sunday. Leaders need to adapt by exploring bilingual services as a way to be more effective and inclusive. This descriptive quantitative study examined three blocks of parishioners at a particular shared parish: (a) those who attend Mass in English, (b) those who attend Mass in Spanish, and (c) those who attend the bilingual Mass. A 27-question survey programmed by Qualtrics was taken online by 370 parishioners. The study examined whether the bilingual Mass makes parishioners: (a) feel more included, (b) feel more excluded, or (c) has any effect on feelings of inclusion whatsoever. The study also examined the differences among the three groups with regard to: (a) financial support and (b) involvement in the parish outside of Mass attendance. The findings were that bilingual services increase feelings of belonging and welcome among all three groups but had no impact on financial support or parish involvement outside of Mass attendance. Parishioners strongly supported the bilingual Mass, particularly in the Spanish Mass. The support of bilingual services shows the viability and importance of these services in integrating Spanish-speaking members in a traditionally English-speaking parish.

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cahillcopyright.pdf (34 kB)
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