The Catholic Church has long been a cornerstone of Minnesota’s communities, supporting families, providing spiritual guidance, and serving the vulnerable. A new and unique report by two scholars from the University of Colorado, “Fruits of the Vine: The Economic Impact of the Catholic Church in Minnesota,” examines the Church’s significant contributions to the state in a different light, namely, through an often-overlooked aspect of religious institutions: their economic and fiscal impact.
The report reveals that the Catholic Church contributes $5.4 billion annually to Minnesota’s economy. This contribution highlights the Church’s vast reach through various institutions, including schools, healthcare, and charitable organizations that employ thousands of people. It also indicates the Church’s key role in supporting local economies, reducing public costs, and building community strength.
Policymakers and the public should celebrate these contributions and protect the Church’s freedom to serve.
Economic and social resilience
New social science research methods allow ministry impact to be measured.
Like a for-profit entity, the Catholic Church boosts the state’s economy through its network of parishes, organizations, jobs and investments. They employ people, produce goods and services, consume many products necessary to run ministry, and engage in building projects.
Beyond direct economic benefits, the Catholic Church fosters a strong social fabric through community events and historic landmarks that draw visitors to Minnesota. Weddings, funerals and festivals bring over 900,000 attendees annually to communities where these events are held, contributing $56 million in related spending.
A holistic approach to service
A core component of the Church’s mission is rooted in service to others, particularly the most vulnerable. We serve people because we are Catholic, not because they are.
The Church’s role in reducing social costs has a broader public benefit that can be measured. Through charitable goods, social services, education, and accessible healthcare, provided to people regardless of religious affiliation, Catholic institutions lessen the financial burden on state-funded programs and improve the quality of life for Minnesotans.
For example, Catholic parishes and affiliated organizations directly assist more than100,000 Minnesotans each month, providing food, clothing and direct financial aid for programs like rent assistance.
With over 500,000 volunteer hours each year, organizations like Catholic Charities, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Knights of Columbus are fulfilling a moral commitment to help those in need while working to mitigate poverty where government resources may be limited. This effort serves more than 80,000 people each year and has an annual economic benefit of nearly $80 million.
These efforts fill societal gaps, mobilizing volunteers and strengthening the state’s social safety net.
Healthcare and education
As the largest healthcare provider in the world after only government entities, Catholic healthcare organizations have a profound impact on the health and wellness of Minnesotans of all ages, providing essential services to thousands across the state Catholic healthcare providers, hospitals, and elderly care services account for $3.27 billion in economic impact.
The Catholic Church educates more than 40,000 pre-K to grade 12 students in Minnesota each year. When combined with Catholic post-secondary institutions, the economic impact of Catholic education in Minnesota is $1.45 billion. These institutions provide quality education and create a well-educated workforce that contributes to the state’s overall economic health.
The Church’s commitment to academic excellence enriches education and eases the financial burden on taxpayers.
Economy and society
In uncertain economic times, the Catholic Church and affiliated independent organizations remain steadfast in their mission to serve. From job creation and education to healthcare and community services, the Church’s influence is deeply woven into Minnesota’s foundation.
As lawmakers consider policies that shape Minnesota’s future, this report underscores the need to recognize the Catholic Church’s continued contributions to our communities and how they help drive our economy, as well as lessen burdens on government and taxpayers. Supporting these contributions is essential to allow the Church to continue its contribution to our state’s economy and inspire collaboration that strengthens the common good.
Jason Adkins is the executive director and general counsel of the Minnesota Catholic Conference, the public policy office of the Church in Minnesota, which commissioned the study. To read Fruits of the Vine: The Economic Impact of the Catholic Church in Minnesota, visit www.mncatholic.org/fruitsofthevine.
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