So says Dostoevsky’s Prince Myshkin in the (somewhat) unfortunately titled Idiot. But is it true? How could beauty save the world? Pivot to the demographic crisis we are facing in the contemporary Church. The COVID pandemic of 2020 sent a shockwave throughout the Catholic world, undermining a principle previously considered sacrosanct: the Sunday precept.

When the pandemic subsided, what that meant was that some people simply did not return to the weekly celebration of Mass. Thankfully, many did return, but the COVID crisis has simply shone a light on a general trend: year by year, fewer Catholics are going to Mass. Far from a New Springtime ushered in on a wave of optimism, we are experiencing a Hard Winter. But even in winter, there are signs of growth.

In England, recent figures suggest that 5% of the population goes to church every week. That figure is inclusive of all Christians; Catholics, Anglicans, Protestants and Non-Denominationals. In the United States, Pew Research suggests around 25% of the population goes to church every week.

Of Catholics, in England 27.5% of Catholics attend Sunday Mass every week, that is around 500,000 people. In the USA, after the pandemic, 40% of Catholics attend Sunday Mass. Of course, this leads to some remarkable conclusions: the majority of Catholics do not attend Sunday Mass any more, even though it is a matter of precept.

In England, weekly attendance in the established Church of England is 654,000 by latest statistics, whereas 14% of the population considers itself Church of England. The one area to buck the trend is cathedral worship. In the great cathedrals of England, attendance is actually growing year on year. They are the notable success story in a climate of general Parish decline. The same is also true of churches with a strong music foundation or a professional choir.

The common theme? Beauty. The demographic evidence suggests that only churches which insist on the highest standards in their Liturgy and Worship will survive the demographic winter. The Church will not survive by catechetical programs or social outreach (important though they may be) but only by providing real, tangible Hope. Hope that is able to be experienced in transcendence and mystery. This may take many forms - but it may not be absent.

This is the Ark of our day: the vessel that will ride the waves of indifference and despair is one that holds firm to what has been received, and invests in the future, not simply through ideas; but practically as well: by building, restoring, commissioning and imagining. This is our mission, and if we are faithful to it, we will provide a bulwark against the demographic trend of downsizing and rationalization.

Guild’s Art School expands

When we started this adventure in 2022, none of us fully anticipated how education would play a central role in the Jesus Guild’s output. Perhaps it is not so surprising after all - if we are the promote and foster beauty in the Arts, it stands to reason that people need to acquire artistic skills.

Our Art School is one part of the Guild constellation we are very proud of. Under the expert tutelage of Mrs. Adrienne Keogler, we have, to date, provided hands-on tuition for over 60 children from our Georgetown campus. They have learned all manner of skills, using multiple media, in 6-week sessions that closely tie in to the sacred.

Mrs. Keogler, a mother of 7 boys and grandmother to 17, is well-known in the Newtown area for her art classes based out of St. Rose Church. Responding to the Bishop's call to collaborate for the good of the Diocese, through the Jesus Guild, Adrienne has been able to offer these classes to an even wider range of children.

We feel it is now time to expand the provision even further, and we are thrilled to announce a new ‘Drawing Skills Workshop’ with Adrienne on Thursdays starting February 1st for a completely new cohort - high schoolers in the age range 12-18, whilst the Saturday School starts up again February 3rd in the age ranges 5-7, and 8-14.

But it doesn’t stop there. There are three components to our program we will be implementing this year: (1.) Partner Locations across the Diocese to reach more children; (2.) An Expanded Faculty of Teachers to work alongside Adrienne, and; (3.) An Art Studio in Georgetown with ‘artists in residence’ for adult artists to come and be creative with us.

Because of the non-parochial status of the Oratory Church, our campus in Georgetown is at the service of the whole Diocese. This gives us a hub from which satellites will go out to the places they are needed. If your community would be interested in partnering with us to bring art to your young people, let us know! Email us on [email protected].

Candlemas 2024