The “gold standard” of research on youth & faith The “gold standard” of research on youth & faith One-hour teen interviews, 30-min. parent interviews, PLUS face-to-face follow-ups lasting as long as three hours One-hour teen interviews, 30-min. parent interviews, PLUS face-to-face follow-ups lasting as long as three hours Now with three waves of longitudinal data, from 2002 thru 2008 Now with three waves of longitudinal data, from 2002 thru 2008 Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers National Study of Youth & 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 have historically relied heavily on parents and family to transmit faith, and the church to “mission” it, appear to be doing better (e.g., Mormons). Why the difference?

Many/most Catholics have been shaped differently, to delegate this responsibility to others: teachers, catechists, schools, priests, nuns, etc. Why the difference?

Frequency of Attendance Catholic Youth Catholic Parents AllYouth More than once a week 6%5%16% Once a week 33%37%24% 2-3 times a month 13%15%12% Once a month 8%8%7% Many times a year 8%5%8% Few times a year 21%18%14% Never11%12%18% Total100%100%100% Source: NSYR Resource CD © Ministry Training Source. Used with permission. Mass / Religious Service Attendance

Teens were asked: “If you could change anything about your family situation, what would it be?” Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers,

“To become closer to my parents.” Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers, Teens were then asked: “Why aren’t you close to them? “I don’t know how to do it.” Would Parents offer the same 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 on.  Make faith a top family priority (see “Family Faith Inventory”).  “Gatekeep” your kids’ activities & time – remember “More = More”.  Support one another & build inter- family networks of faith and life support.  At home, during the week, live, model & talk about your faith. Several 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 25 th  Bob Rice Family Event  Meadow Mass 4 PM  Picnic in the Pavilion  Humor, inspiration and music from Bob Rice  Hallowed Hay Ride October 29 th  Open to entire parish  Strong Catholic Family groups forming  First meeting-November 6

Living Faith as a Family Faith Top 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 Faith Top 10 List

1.Family Faith Resource Booklet & Family Faith Inventory Available electronically Available electronically 2.Complete & submit your Parent-to-Parish Response Form. Fill out now Fill out now Give us your Give us your Action Items

Strong Catholic Families = Strong Catholic Youth