PARISH SOCIAL PROFILE 2006

From the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. Based on the 2006 Census

Copies of the complete profile will be published on www.ppo.catholic.org.au

The following are some interesting statistics gleaned from my initial reading (Michael Fallon)

The Total Population of our parish area in 2006 was 13,039 of whom 3,801 identified themselves as Catholics (29.2%). In the age-groups 17-29 and 50-54 there was a percentage decrease of the Catholic population compared to 2001. There was a percentage increase in age-groups over 55.  The median age of Catholics in the parish was 34, and there were 1,442 Catholic Families.

346 Catholics lived alone. 718 Catholics were born overseas. 127 Catholics needed assistance in core activities.  3.8% of Catholics were unemployed in 2006 (down from 6.4% in 2001). In 2006 there were 56 Catholics with indigenous origin. In Kippax 9.1% of Catholics lived alone (compared to 8.0% in 2001). The median Family Income was $79,000 (up from $62,000 in 2001).

The following statistics refer to education. 52.5% of Catholics Primary Students were in Catholic Primary Schools (down from 57% in 2001). 42.2% were in Government Primary Schools (up from 43.7% in 2001). Non-Catholics constituted 23.3% of enrolment in Catholic Primary Schools (up from 13.1% in 2001). 57.8% of Catholic Secondary Students were in Catholic Secondary Schools (up from 54.4% in 2001). 42.2% were in Government Schools (down from 43.7% in 2001). Non-Catholics constituted 25.7% of enrolment in Catholic Secondary Schools (up from 20.4% in 2001).

For the past 7 years we have counted a consistent 800 people coming to our weekend Masses. Over 40% of these come from outside our parish boundaries. This means that about 500 Catholics from within the parish boundaries attend Mass each weekend out of 3,800 Catholics. The ‘Catholics Returning Home’ program has just begun. It would be good if we could do more to attract our Catholic brothers and sisters back to the Eucharist and to our community.