• The The “gold standard”“gold standard” of research on of research on youth & faith youth & faith

• One-hour teen interviews, 30-min. parent One-hour teen interviews, 30-min. parent interviews, PLUS face-to-face follow-ups interviews, PLUS face-to-face follow-ups lasting lasting as long as three hoursas long as three hours

• Now with three waves of longitudinal Now with three waves of longitudinal data, from data, from 2002 thru 20082002 thru 2008

Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers

National Study of National Study of Youth & ReligionYouth & Religion

The Catholic Church lags behind all other Christian denominations

Most teens are remarkably inarticulate about their faith.

Highly religious teenagers appear to be doing better than other teenagers.

Teens follow the faith of their parents.

Parents are the single most important influence on teens faith.

Those religious groups that Those religious groups that

have have historically relied historically relied

heavily on parents and heavily on parents and

family to transmit faithfamily to transmit faith, and , and

the church to “mission” it, the church to “mission” it,

appear to be doing better appear to be doing better

(e.g., Mormons).(e.g., Mormons).

Why the difference?Why the difference?

Many/most Catholics have Many/most Catholics have

been shaped differently, to been shaped differently, to

delegate this responsibility delegate this responsibility

to othersto others: teachers, : teachers,

catechists, schools, catechists, schools,

priests, nuns, etc.priests, nuns, etc.

Why the difference?Why the difference?

Frequency of Frequency of AttendanceAttendance

Catholic Catholic YouthYouth

Catholic Catholic ParentsParents

All All YouthYouth

More than once More than once a weeka week

6%6% 5%5% 16%16%

Once a weekOnce a week 33%33% 37%37% 24%24%2-3 times a month2-3 times a month 13%13% 15%15% 12%12%Once a monthOnce a month 8%8% 8%8% 7%7%Many times a yearMany times a year 8%8% 5%5% 8%8%Few times a yearFew times a year 21%21% 18%18% 14%14%NeverNever 11%11% 12%12% 18%18%TotalTotal 100%100% 100%100% 100%100%

Source: NSYR Resource CD © Ministry Training Source. Used with permission.

Mass / Religious Service AttendanceMass / Religious Service Attendance

Teens were asked: Teens were asked:

““If you could change If you could change anything about your anything about your family situation, what family situation, what

would it be?”would it be?”

Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers,

““To become closer to my parents.”To become closer to my parents.”

Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers,

Teens were then asked: Teens were then asked: “Why aren’t you close to them?“Why aren’t you close to them?

““I don’t know how to do it.”I don’t know how to do it.”

Would Parents offer the same Would Parents offer the same answers about their teens? answers about their teens?

"the role of parents in education is of such importance that it is almost impossible to provide an adequate substitute." (CCC 2221).

“Parents are the most influential agents of catechesis for their children.” (NDC 234)

“…the Christian Community must help [parents] assume their responsibility of educating their children in faith.” (GDC 227).

“…No previous generation of American Catholics inherited so little of the content and sensibility of the faith from their parents, as have today’s Catholic youth.”

Church historian R. Scott Appleby, Notre Dame University

Live the faith you want to pass Live the faith you want to pass on. on.

Make faith a top family priority Make faith a top family priority (see “Family Faith Inventory”).(see “Family Faith Inventory”).

““Gatekeep” your kids’ activities & Gatekeep” your kids’ activities & time – remember “More = More”.time – remember “More = More”.

Support one another & build Support one another & build inter-family networks of faith and inter-family networks of faith and life support.life support.

At home, during the week, live, At home, during the week, live, model & talk about your faith.model & talk about your faith.

Several KeysSeveral Keys

SJN programs

Bible Studies Faith Sharing Groups Faith & Family PSR EDGE Youth Ministry Women’s & Men’s Clubs Knights of Columbus

Upcoming Events Life Teen Kickoff-September 25th Bob Rice Family Event

Meadow Mass 4 PM Picnic in the Pavilion Humor, inspiration and music from Bob

Rice Hallowed Hay Ride October 29th

Open to entire parish Strong Catholic Family groups forming

First meeting-November 6

Living Faith as a Family FaithTop 10 List

Attend Mass together weekly Pray family rosary together Pray Divine Mercy together. Commit to sacramental life Be still and listen Fill your home with faith images

Eucharistic Adoration No one ever graduates from

“faith formation” Minister Together as a family Speak the language of our

Catholic Faith in your family discussions.

Living Faith as a Family FaithTop 10 List

1.1. Family Faith Resource Family Faith Resource Booklet & Family Faith Booklet & Family Faith InventoryInventory

• Available electronicallyAvailable electronically

2.2. Complete & submit your Complete & submit your Parent-to-Parish Response Parent-to-Parish Response Form.Form.

• Fill out nowFill out now

• Give us your emailGive us your email

Action ItemsAction Items

Strong Catholic Families

= Strong Catholic

Youth