There's plenty to chew on when reading "Faith in Flux: Changes in the Religious Affiliation in the U.S." recently released by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life.
[Read the U.S. Catholic Bishops' press release and the full report by the Pew Foundation.]
The report indicates that for those who have left the Catholic faith, more than any one cause or crisis moment, they simply drifted away over time. Most who left did so in their teens and early twenties.
Why?
The Center for Applied Research Apostolate put it well: "More often than not its not about teachings, beliefs, or scandals. This is about Youth coming of age and not feeling connected to their faith...The poster child of former Catholics is a disaffected teenager."
This is why Pope John Paul II High School exists. What better argument can there be for healthy, vital Catholic high school education than our critical role in guiding young people to a mature adult faith connected with the life of the Church? Imagine the spiritual confusion or even emptiness when navigating young adulthood without a foundation in our faith and a sacramental life. Reading this study ought to confirm for all of us involved with Catholic education the importance of our mission.
Your comments welcome.
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