CARROLL GARDENS — A "Mass Mob" of worshipers is expected to descend on Carroll Gardens this weekend to show support a local Catholic church.
More than 100 people are expected to pack the pews of St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church on Sunday at 9:15 a.m., the latest target for the New York City Mass Mob.
The group represents a grassroots movement seeking to boost the revenue and attendance of parishioners at churches throughout the city. Since it was founded a year-and-a-half ago, the group has visited churches in Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn, chosen through an online selection process, said founder Michael Cadigan.
The Mass Mob was inspired by the term "flash mob," in which a large but seemingly random group of people perform together then disperse.
However, the religious-oriented Mass Mob is less about singing and dancing, and more about bringing awareness and donations to local Catholic institutions.
"We help boost the church's morale," Cadigan said.
Within the past year, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York announced that dozens of churches will be shuttered or consolidated. Church officials pointed to the dwindling attendance and a lack of priests as the reasons behind the reorganization plan, the New York Times reported.
A recent study from Pew Research Center found that the United States' Catholic population has steadily declined between 2007 and 2014.
Through social media, word-of-mouth, fliers and posters, the group spreads news of the next Mass Mob gathering — a "blind date with the church" as Cadigan described it.
He said the number of attendees has increased with each Mass Mob.
"We hope to heighten awareness that St. Agnes and her sister church, St. Paul, are alive and well, and open for business!" said Monsignor Joseph Nugent in a statement.
The church is known for its original stained-glass windows, vaulted ceilings, granite edifice and ornate facade.
St. Agnes, located at 433 Sackett St., will also kick off its "Sounds on Sackett" concert series Sunday at 4 p.m. with vocalist Karen Merchant, who will be accompanied by pianist Giacomo Oliva.
“People get to rekindle their relationship with their faith,” Cadigan said. "I just wanted to show people that it's cool to go to church."
