Determinants of parishioner satisfaction among practicing catholics

This study examined determinants of satisfaction with the parish among practicing Catholics in Baltimore City. Data were obtained from questionnaires completed by respondents (N = 7658) in 28 urban parishes. Respondents who were older, female, married, and less educated were more satisfied. African Americans had lower levels of satisfaction. Positive perceptions of parish life were associated with higher satisfaction. Demographic variables accounted for only 4 percent of the variance in satisfaction, while perceptions of parish life accounted for an additional 34 percent of the variance. The rating of the pastor and a measure of moral and spiritual impact were the strongest predictors. Contextual analysis showed that respondents in smaller parishes were more satisfied and those with more African Americans had more positive parish perceptions. The results suggest that parish satisfaction is a complex phenomenon and represents an important aspect of parish life.