Survey: Mexican Youth Don't Feel Close to the Church

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MEXICO CITY, MAY 12, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Less than one in three Mexican youth consider themselves close to the Church, but they show a longing for human values and a rejection of moral evils such as abortion and euthanasia.

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The young people admitted that they know little about the Church, with almost 80% saying they know “little, some, or nothing” about it.
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It sounds like this is a case of poor catechesis.
 
I think the disenfranchisement of youth within the church is not just a Mexican problem. Having participated in mass at a few different Churches in the Archdiocese in the year prior to the return to my Parish, I have seen a particular pattern in participation.

While children under the age of 16 are generally in attendance with their parents, the age group of 16 to 26 is lacking. There are a few individuals here and there, generally with significant others as some undoubtedly look towards marriage in the distant future; however, the lack of more individuals in that particular age group, is the exposure of a bigger problem.

Poor Cathechisis is not necessarily the only issue within this problem which seems to have a much larger scope, especially in countries with huge secular/agnostic populations. It’s a problem that, I’m not necessarily qualified to answer, but the Church must address or at least look toward finding a solution to solve and answer.
 
Young people not close to the Church? They would rather party with their friends than pray the Litany of the Saints?

What is the youth coming to these days?

Next thing we know, they will be saying things like “shucks” and “so’s your old man.”

You know what the Mexican kids need? A boy’s band.
 
Young_Thinker said:
It sounds like this is a case of poor catechesis.
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Parents (Grandparents or others) should provide their youth with the new " Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church" nicknamed YOUCAT.

ignatius.com/Products/YOUCAT-P/youcat.aspx
or
ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/YOUCAT/shop.axd/ProductDetails?keywords=youcat&edp_no=22696

YOUCAT has references to the “CCC 2nd Ed” that all Catholics are required to adhere to. The forward is written by Pope Benedict.
It is available in many languages.
 
The young people admitted that they know little about the Church, with almost 80% saying they know “little, some, or nothing” about it.
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HOW can you believe in something you know nothing about?
 
The media creates the culture. Not just for Mexico, but for all of us. Their glamorization of lust, drugs, consumerism, and violence is an easier and lazier sell than the romantic, unconditional, sacrificial, responsible true love that the Church teaches. I don’t think the Church can compete long term if people won’t wake up to see how many have become unknowing victims of the unelected pop culture media.
 
ManOnFire said:
The media creates the culture. Not just for Mexico, but for all of us. Their glamorization of lust, drugs, consumerism, and violence is an easier and lazier sell than the romantic, unconditional, sacrificial, responsible true love that the Church teaches. I don’t think the Church can compete long term if people won’t wake up to see how many have become unknowing victims of the unelected pop culture media.
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It’s always been the world vs the gospel message and actually, I do blame the Church because it has not effectively counteracted the negative influences of society by teaching the “meat” of Catholicism. As a catechist, I’m still blown away that the parents (not just the kids) have no Catholic identity to pass along to the next generation and very little knowledge of Catholic values or doctrine.
 
Maybe it’s because many of them think Santa Muerte is an actual saint you should light candles to and ask for favors. 🤷
 
ANNE_2 said:
Parents (Grandparents or others) should provide their youth with the new " Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church" nicknamed YOUCAT.

ignatius.com/Products/YOUCAT-P/youcat.aspx
or
ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/YOUCAT/shop.axd/ProductDetails?keywords=youcat&edp_no=22696

YOUCAT has references to the “CCC 2nd Ed” that all Catholics are required to adhere to. The forward is written by Pope Benedict.
It is available in many languages.
Click to expand...
That is a good idea. I wish that the local bishops could find a way to encourage this, in addition to providing better catechesis through the Church.
 
Their OBLIGATION
Bishops and Pastors can encourage reading the of “CCC 2nd Ed” and “YOUCAT” by:
    • advertising them in all Parish and Diocese bulletins and newsletters;
    • by advertizing them on the Diocese and Parish web sites;
    • by occasionally quoting them as appropriate in their Sunday homilies;
    • by each Parish office making them available for sale;
    • by the Diocese Bishop putting a short teaching letter from him in each Parish bulletin explaining the importance of reading them, and then using them as a reference in our daily lives.
    • the Diocese Bishop can encourage Seminiaries and Catholic schools and Universities to use them as student texts as age appropriate.
    • the Diocese Bishop can make certain they are used in RCIA and youth CCD within his Diocese.
    Our OBLIGATION
    • encourage our Pastor and Diocese Bishop to do the above;
    • make certain our own home has a copy of the CCC, and if age appropriate the YOUCAT;
    • make certain our teens read the YOUCAT;
    • give the CCC and YOUCAT as gifts for birthdays and other occasions;
    • read in entirety, and then use the CCC as a reference when any questions come up.
    If every Catholic knew their Faith there would be less room for heresy and schism, and the World would be a better place.
 
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