The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) offers a range of services for:

• Parishes
• Dioceses
• Catholic elementary, middle, and high schools
• Catholic colleges, universities, and campus ministries
  
• Religious communities and institutes
• Catholic charities and social service organizations
  
• Catholic newspapers and media
• Other Catholic institutions and organizations

Some of these services are highlighted below. Contact any member of the CARA research team to discuss these and other aspects of CARA research and consulting.  CARA research projects are always tailor designed to meet our clients needs and budget.

• PASS or Pastoral Assistance Surveys and Services. PASS Surveys are individually tailored yet affordable surveys that provide pastoral leaders with the information they need to make informed decisions. In recent years CARA has completed more than 500 in-pew parish surveys nationwide.  PASS is especially designed to serve the research needs of Catholic parishes as well as schools and campus ministries. Contact Dr. Jon Wiggins, Director of PASS, to discuss ways these services can best be tailored to fit the needs of your parish community. Learn more about PASS.

• Campus Ministry Surveys. CARA campus ministry surveys are designed to meet the unique needs of each campus ministry. A combination of in-pew surveys of Mass attenders and/or residence hall surveys can be used to collect information about pastoral planning, to conduct evaluations of programming, and to make needs assessments. For residence hall surveys special survey items can be included for those of particular faith traditions or denominations. Results are reported in a comprehensive report of findings and can also be presented and discussed by a CARA researcher on campus. Contact Dr. Jon Wiggins, Director of PASS.

• Diocesan Demographics. Most dioceses in the United States are facing a future of ongoing population change. The Catholic population in the United States has more than doubled since 1950, and the face of Catholics in the United States has become increasingly diverse. At the same time, the number of priests available for ministry to this changing Catholic community has not kept pace. To explore the demographic characteristics and trends of the community at large, Catholic population, and clergy in your diocese, the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University now offers three reports that explore the demographic aspects of Catholic dioceses in the United States. Drawing on Catholic data, diocesan priest data, and newly released Census data, each of these reports addresses different issues that dioceses face today in planning for a future of tomorrow. Reports present up-to-date estimates and five- to 20-year projections within a diocese - at both the county and the diocesan level  in easy-to-read maps, tables, and graphs. Contact Dr. Mary Gautier, Senior Research Associate, to discuss ways these services can be tailored to assist bishops and other diocesan planners. Contact Dr. Mary Gautier, Senior Research Associate.

• Priest Projections. CARA's priest projections have been used in more than 60 dioceses over the past 15 years. Known for precise methodology with proven accuracy over time, the priest projections are an invaluable tool for clergy planning. The projection uses data from a single CARA questionnaire that collects information on the current age of diocesan priests, priest retirement age, recent ordinations, and seminarians currently in formation. The resulting report has an executive summary, followed by tables and charts with low, medium, and high projections of the number of priests who will be available to serve in a diocese through 2030. Contact Dr. Mary Gautier, Senior Research Associate.

• Surveys of Presbyterates. CARA’s mailed questionnaires to presbyterates assist dioceses with pastoral planning and understanding the needs of their priests.  These priest surveys are typically conducted with all diocesan priests, including those who are retired, and with religious priests active in parish ministry. CARA adapts the questions to meet the needs of the diocese. Most dioceses that have used this service in the past have been particularly interested in understanding presbyteral attitudes about how to address parish ministry in a time of fewer priests. Many are also interested in priests’ morale, satisfaction with ministry, concerns about retirement issues, and interest in continuing formation. Contact Dr. Paul M. Perl, Research Associate.

• Surveys of Diocesan Newspaper Readers. CARA designs surveys to be completed by readers of diocesan newspapers, priests in the diocese, and other diocesan personnel.  These surveys collect readers' evaluations of the paper, reading habits, interest in stories, topics, and format, as well as religious behavior, demographics, other media use, and consumer behavior.  This research is often used to make decisions about content and format as well as produce the information needed to attract potential advertisers. CARA can provide comparisons between readers, diocesan newspaper readers nationally, adult Catholics nationally, and/or the general U.S. adult population. Contact Dr. Mark M. Gray, Research Associate.

• School Research. CARA conducts demographic research and surveys for school feasibility studies and planning for existing schools. This research provides projections for student population and evaluations of schools by parishioners and parents. Comparisons can be made to schools nationally as well as regionally for a number of aspects. Contact Dr. Mark M. Gray, Research Associate.
  

• Religious Life Research. CARA conducts a variety of studies for religious institutes (congregations, provinces, and monasteries). Membership surveys and focus groups are designed to assess attitudes, priorities, and needs in areas such as mission, ministry, charism, prayer, spirituality, community life, vocation promotion, initial formation, ongoing formation, and retirement. Contact Sr. Mary Bendyna, Senior Research Associate and CARA Executive Director.

• CARA Catholic Poll. A national random sample telephone poll of U.S. adult Catholics. Conducted at least once every year, this comprehensive poll provides an accurate and timely portrait of the characteristics, attitudes, and beliefs of U.S. Catholics. In addition to the standard demographic, behavioral, and attitudinal questions, CARA can include specific questions for your organization to better capture the mood and sensibilities of Catholics nationally or targeted for your particular constituency. Contact Dr. Mark M. Gray, Research Associates.