Measuring the impact of the university parish should illustrate the added value it offers to the Diocese and to the students in Innsbruck.
THE CHALLENGE
Facing a decline in interest in Catholic church structures, the Diocese of Innsbruck launched the Impact Measurement Project to assess the University Parish's monetary value and personal benefits to students. The Parish remains a crucial part of student life and the Diocese's work.
OUTCOMES
The University Parish plays an essential role in recruiting and retaining students as members of the Roman Catholic Church in Innsbruck.
The quantitative study conducted suggests that members of the University Parish are more likely to remain or become part of the Catholic Church compared to non-members. In addition, members are less likely to perceive the church contribution as too high, while non-members tend to consider it excessive. Furthermore, the University Parish provides an important community for many students, who greatly appreciate the wide range of support and counselling services.
The impact measurement forms the basis for further research and identifies important fields of action.
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- Study Program: Nonprofit-, Social- and Health Care Management
- Team: Christina Mayerl, Astrid Müller, Klara Steinmaßl
- Supervisor(s): Renate Windbichler, MIM, FH-Prof. Dr. Nils Mevenkamp, FH-Prof. Dr. Raffel Heiss, MA
- Partner Organisation: Diocese of Innsbruck: Dr. Rainer Kirchmair, University Parish: Msgr. Jakob Bürgler
- Year project was carried out: 2024
Partner Statement
“As the representative of the Diocese of Innsbruck responsible for the economic agendas, I would like to thank the highly committed project team and the MCI for their excellent cooperation: a heartfelt " Vergelt's Gott " for the work they have done! The study shows that church life still has added value for young adults in the 21st century and that being influenced by the church has a direct impact on their values. This result is an important stimulus for further research in this area.”
– Mag. Dr. Rainer Kirchmair (Diocesan economist)
“I look back very positively on the project "Measuring the Impact of the University Parish". The three students Christina Mayerl, Astrid Müller and Klara Steinmaßl mastered the challenging task of measuring the impact of pastoral work in a competent, committed and creative way. MCI as a partner helped us a lot to reflect on our work and to derive possible consequences from the results.
The project report and the presentation at a "project fair" made the breadth and innovative power of the work very visible.
Many thanks to all involved! It is wonderful to have such a helpful experience.”
– Msgr. Jakob Bürgler (University pastor)