Reference is made to the article ‘Church targets poor to tackle Mass attendance’ (February 7). In view of the misleading headline, we would like to clarify and reproduce in full our original reply (below) to the questions put by the Times of Malta on the 2017 Sunday Mass attendance census and the survey on faith and Church attendance.

The research carried out by the Archdiocese of Malta was one of the main topics of the parish priests’ live-in held earlier this month as reported by The Sunday Times of Malta.

Together with the members of the parish pastoral councils, parish priests will now analyse the situation in their parish based on the results of the census as well as the survey, which also reached out to those who do not attend Mass. Factors to be considered include whether the celebration of Mass and other sacraments are held at the most convenient times for families and individuals in their respective communities.

In order to be pastorally effective collectively, another step will include a pastoral plan that calls for a new evangelisation supported by works of charity. These include several Church initiatives, which assist the poor, the sick and the most vulnerable in society.

The Church will also rely on the authentic witness of Catholics and on the power of prayer to bring the Good News to others, including the younger generations who will continue to be the main focus for the Church as witnessed during the last Synod of Bishops dedicated entirely to young people and faith, as well as last week’s World Youth Day celebrations in Panama, led by Pope Francis.