Recent data suggest that many Catholics do not believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Substantial changes in parish norms and liturgical practices since Vatican II may have played a role in Catholics’ changing Eucharistic beliefs. The preliminary data presented here suggest that Catholics may be more likely to believe in the Real Presence if their parish offers Eucharistic Adoration, if parishioners witness others genuflecting frequently, and if consecration bells are rung during the Mass. Additionally, previous Traditional Latin Mass attendance correlates with stronger Real Presence belief. These findings highlight practices that merit further investigation regarding how parish experiences may predict belief in the Real Presence.
Parish Practices Predict Belief in the Real Presence
