Why young Catholics are leaving the Church

[Cristiano]

I agree about that religious education point. Confirmation classes seriously need re-form.

I think that confirmation classes are just the tip of the iceberg. Children should attend Sunday school every week, year after year! After years of studying the doctrine and developing a spirituality, they can get into high level confirmation classes. If you do not do the propaedeutic work, you have to lower the standards for confirmation classes or nothing will be learned.

 

[jenkiedad]

Suggestions:
We go to Bible classes.
We join St. Vincent dePaul parish conferences.
We participate in RCIA, even as a sponsor.
We (learn first, then) teach CCD.
We volunteer for Parish tasks.
We go to Parish social functions.
Heck, we go to Parish devotions.
We go to Confession.
We tell the “Good News”

James: What you say is true. The key to a happy, healthy and involved Church is to create a sense of “ownership” and family within a Parish with heavy emphasis on education, the sacraments, and scripture. Even with all these activities, there’s always going to be that population of “casual Catholics” that come to Mass late and leave early and that’s the last you see of them until next week (if then). They’re not joiners.

Regardless of the vibrancy of a Parish there will always be those “lost souls” (out on the fringes) that are ripe to be mislead. Pray for them all!

 

[Marc_Anthony]

Quick question here-

Amazing Grace is not an appropriate hymn? Because my Catholic HS and my Church have both sung it and I’ve never heard that before.

 

[Roy5]

Let me take a stab at why so many Catholic youth leave the church.

1. Secular influence. The world isn’t friendly to traditional religion of any sort.
2. Intellectual honesty. Millions of Christians of all kinds have trouble believing some of the doctrines and/or Biblical stories (or both) that are basic to the Church. Adam and Eve, for example. What young people learn in science makes the story of Adam and Eve an insult to their intelligence.
3. Superstitions. Many youth come to regard various teachings of the church as superstitions. Take transubstantiation. The idea that a prayer by a priest turns bread and wine into the flesh and blood of Jesus strikes many as medieval, on a par with belief in ghosts and witches.
4. Mass. It varies, of course, as many priests have charisma, but to many mass is boring, partly because it seems repetitious - the same pattern week after week.
5. Moral teachings. Many youth are sympathetic to gays, even approve of gay marriage, believe in artificial birth control, etc. This represents the sentiment that dominates among young people generally.
6. Rebellion. There is a normal rebellion among youth. Some return to the church for their weddings, then with babies ot be baptized.
7. Parochial school. When I asked one woman why she no longer attended mass, she answered simply that she had gone to parochial school and her experience was a bad one.
8. Confession. Many youth come to believe that their personal lives are not the business of a priest. They regard this as an attempt of the church to control their lives and resent it.
9. Media. Some programs that are especially popular among youth - South Park, for example - make fun of religion in general and influence young viewers.
10. An affront. Somewhere along the way a priest or some other church leader says something that a particular youth finds offensive, perhaps hurtful. This may be spoken to that young person to his/her face, or maybe in a homily.

That’s all, folks!

 

[Cristiano]

Quick question here-

Amazing Grace is not an appropriate hymn? Because my Catholic HS and my Church have both sung it and I’ve never heard that before.

Some people do not considered it appropriate for two reasons. One is that it was written by a protestant, and that it a psychological fallacy because the song can still be valid from the doctrinal point of view. The other is that the words can be interpreted as the individual being granted salvation before his death and that is consistent with the Once Saved Always Saved (OSAS) belief that is common among many protestant denominations. However, such belief is contrary to the teachings of the Church. I love the song, but I am not thrilled about its use during the liturgy.

 

[jenkiedad]

Amazing Grace is not an appropriate hymn? Because my Catholic HS and my Church have both sung it and I’ve never heard that before.

Marc: There’s a bunch of “fuddy duddies” on this forum that think that if the music is not Gregorian Chant, it’s corrupting. Amazing Grace is definitely a Protestant Hymn, but nobody says that Protestant Hymns can’t be beautiful. Amazing Grace is definitely a beautiful and spiritual song that has a strong “return to faith” message.

 

[anode]

Some people do not considered it appropriate for two reasons. One is that it was written by a protestant, and that it a psychological fallacy because the song can still be valid from the doctrinal point of view. The other is that the words can be interpreted as the individual being granted salvation before his death and that is consistent with the Once Saved Always Saved (OSAS) belief that is common among many protestant denominations. However, such belief is contrary to the teachings of the Church. I love the song, but I am not thrilled about its use during the liturgy.

Check out its history in Wiki. It was written by a former seaman and slaver who had a --er-conversion experience during a violent storm at sea–like so many others. He eventually stopped participating in the slave trade and became an Anglican clergyman.

I think that the story of conversion from slaving is moving and explains the ‘wretch like me’ phrase.

 

[JamestheOlder]

Marc: There’s a bunch of “fuddy duddies” on this forum that think that if the music is not Gregorian Chant, it’s corrupting. Amazing Grace is definitely a Protestant Hymn, but nobody says that Protestant Hymns can’t be beautiful. Amazing Grace is definitely a beautiful and spiritual song that has a strong “return to faith” message.

I’m the “fuddy-duddy” who opposes Amazing Grace. Whether or not you consider the merits of its composition, music or lyrics, it has no place in the Catholic liturgy of the Mass. I love many prostestant hymns; my sainted mother used to sing along with them on the radio when she ironed clothes (Boy, that makes me a REALLY OLD fuddy-duddy), I know them well. But there is no place for them in Catholic worship, especially when you consider the contradictions in the lyrics of “Amazing Grace”.

Why not use Catholic hymns (there are “bad” ones there, too, my conservative friend says)? But here is where proper liturgical training comes in for people who make music selections for the celebrations of the Mass. My FIRM belief is that those hymns should reflect the prayers of the Mass, and especially the Readings and Responsorial Psalm.

And no, I am not addicted to Gregorian Chant. It DOES, however, have a FAVORED place in selections for the Eucharistic liturgy.

By the way, I prefer “old duck” to “fuddy-duddy”.

 

[jenkiedad]

By the way, I prefer “old duck” to “fuddy-duddy”.

Whatever you say “old duck”.

By the way, I found “Amazing Grace” as a selection in the “Catholic Glory & Praise Hymn Book” located in the pews of our Church. Somebody must think it’s OK!

 

[JamestheOlder]

Let me take a stab at why so many Catholic youth leave the church.

1. Secular influence. The world isn’t friendly to traditional religion of any sort.
   That seems strange but I believe it is true for Catholicism, particularly ; Eastern non-Chirstian religions and Islam are treated with kid gloves. There are few other Christian religions that can be consided “traditional” any more (Othodoxy and Baptist churches are some exceptions). Catholicism takes a real beating “from the world” for its Tradition and tradition.
2. Intellectual honesty. Millions of Christians of all kinds have trouble believing some of the doctrines and/or Biblical stories (or both) that are basic to the Church. Adam and Eve, for example. What young people learn in science makes the story of Adam and Eve an insult to their intelligence.
   I find conflicts here between “science” and fundamentalist positions, but few between “science” and official Catholic teaching, save that in item 3, below. Could you elaborate?
3. Superstitions. Many youth come to regard various teachings of the church as superstitions. Take transubstantiation. The idea that a prayer by a priest turns bread and wine into the flesh and blood of Jesus strikes many as medieval, on a par with belief in ghosts and witches.
   It’s a miracle. It is really beyong comprehension. It is not the priest’s prayer, but the prayer of the Son of God. This idea of “superstitions” could be covered in a whole new thread…including Baptism cleaning the soul of sin, and Confirmation conferring the Holy Spirit on an individual, not to mention the three main branches of the Church.
4. Mass. It varies, of course, as many priests have charisma, but to many mass is boring, partly because it seems repetitious - the same pattern week after week.
   Do they not listen (I may have accidentally implied the answer)? EVERYTHING can/might/may be different from the last Mass they attended if they listened. The entrance, offertory and closing Prayers are different; the Readings and Psalm are different…even in DAILY Mass; the hymns should be different (maybe); the Eucharistic Prayer itself CAN be different. This doesn’t rely on the “charisma” of the priest; only that he celebrate Mass PROPERLY. God present on the altar boring? Boy do we have some education to do!
5. Moral teachings. Many youth are sympathetic to gays, even approve of gay marriage, believe in artificial birth control, etc. This represents the sentiment that dominates among young people generally. It’s the world, again.
6. Rebellion. There is a normal rebellion among youth. Some return to the church for their weddings, then with babies ot be baptized. Then there is HOPE, right?
7. Parochial school. When I asked one woman why she no longer attended mass, she answered simply that she had gone to parochial school and her experience was a bad one.
   Yeah, I’ve heard that one before, also. Pretty lame, wouldn’t you say?
8. Confession. Many youth come to believe that their personal lives are not the business of a priest. They regard this as an attempt of the church to control their lives and resent it.
   As an old and wise Pastor of mine once said, “So they go to a psychiatrist or psychologist instead? And PAY MONEY to have them listen to their sins?”
9. Media. Some programs that are especially popular among youth - South Park, for example - make fun of religion in general and influence young viewers.
   Satan exists in many forms.
10. An affront. Somewhere along the way a priest or some other church leader says something that a particular youth finds offensive, perhaps hurtful. This may be spoken to that young person to his/her face, or maybe in a homily. Very true. Happened to my son and he still smarts from the hurt. Priests and deacons and Sisters/Brothers and teachers are definitely not perfect. I think that’s why they go to Confession as well.

That’s all, folks!

 

[JamestheOlder]

Whatever you say “old duck”.

By the way, I found “Amazing Grace” as a selection in the “Catholic Glory & Praise Hymn Book” located in the pews of our Church. Somebody must think it’s OK!

Does the book have an Imprimatur?

 

[MugenOne]

I think the Asian Catholic youth community is still strong. If you go to Orange County on Sunday, you’ll see a variety of activities that the Vietnamese youths are participating in, such as Bible study, Vietnamese language training, choral practice, or Catholic Boy Scout. It’s all depending on the parents. If all you want to do on Sunday is to watch sport, then your kids will grow up without faith.

 

[jenkiedad]

Does the book have an Imprimatur?

“Old Duck”: Not sure, I’ll need to check next time I’m at the Church. However, here’s a link to the hymnal (with all the songs contained therein:
ocp.org/products/5910#tab:contents:)

 

[Bluegrass2003]

While I believe that you fully understand the importance of the Mass I honestly doubt that you understand its significance. Each moment of the Mass (independently of the rite or form) is full of history and theology, and I cannot believe that all of it can be boring if you are aware of its significance.

I am not trying to put you down and treat you as teenager that does not know better, because your comment is similar to what I heard from a lot of grown ups and senior people. I am just saying that I doubt that any person that has been properly catechized on the significance of the different aspects of Holy Sacrifice of the Mass could call them boring.

Probably you would be interested to read this blog that was posted a couple of days ago.

Very Well put with emphansis on it not having anything to do with youth. Amen!

 

[Richmart]

As a young Catholic, I may have some insights.

1. You need to learn at a young age that even though you can’t prove scientifically that Jesus is a supreme being any more than Buddha or Krishna, lack of scientific evidence does not take faith into the equation. Young people need to learn that faith is the belief in things which cannot be empirically assessed. No one is trying to “prove” that God exists. You can’t.
2. Young Catholics need to be exposed to different faiths at a young age. One of the most important trips I ever went on was a multi-faith trip which involved visits and discussions with Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, and Unitarians, among others.
3. Stress Catholic Social Teaching. People relate to this better than the line between a venial & mortal sin.
4. Allow women to assume the priesthood

 

[Richmart]

Oh Yeah, you’re a young Catholic alright. What 13?

 

[choy]

Let me take a stab at why so many Catholic youth leave the church.

1. Secular influence. The world isn’t friendly to traditional religion of any sort.
2. Intellectual honesty. Millions of Christians of all kinds have trouble believing some of the doctrines and/or Biblical stories (or both) that are basic to the Church. Adam and Eve, for example. What young people learn in science makes the story of Adam and Eve an insult to their intelligence.
3. Superstitions. Many youth come to regard various teachings of the church as superstitions. Take transubstantiation. The idea that a prayer by a priest turns bread and wine into the flesh and blood of Jesus strikes many as medieval, on a par with belief in ghosts and witches.
4. Mass. It varies, of course, as many priests have charisma, but to many mass is boring, partly because it seems repetitious - the same pattern week after week.
5. Moral teachings. Many youth are sympathetic to gays, even approve of gay marriage, believe in artificial birth control, etc. This represents the sentiment that dominates among young people generally.
6. Rebellion. There is a normal rebellion among youth. Some return to the church for their weddings, then with babies ot be baptized.
7. Parochial school. When I asked one woman why she no longer attended mass, she answered simply that she had gone to parochial school and her experience was a bad one.
8. Confession. Many youth come to believe that their personal lives are not the business of a priest. They regard this as an attempt of the church to control their lives and resent it.
9. Media. Some programs that are especially popular among youth - South Park, for example - make fun of religion in general and influence young viewers.
10. An affront. Somewhere along the way a priest or some other church leader says something that a particular youth finds offensive, perhaps hurtful. This may be spoken to that young person to his/her face, or maybe in a homily.

That’s all, folks!

from my personal experience, i would agree on all these points

society today isn’t friendly to religion. the youth is drawn to this. even earlier when people mention poor Catechisis as the reason the youth leave the Church. sometimes its not poor Catechisis, but lack of interest in Catechism. i teach highschool PREP, at the beginning of the school year we were expecting 5-7 students. 4 showed up the first session. of those 4, 1 showed up only one other time, the other 1 showed up maybe 4 or 5 different times. then there’s the two who’s there every weekend, although i feel since their siblings, only one of them has true interest in the subject (and he’s our altar boy in the parish). so the effort from the Church is there, but sadly they’re not responding

 

[TurboVW]

The topic of Mass being “boring” is open to interpretation. A person could be properly trained on all aspects of the Mass and still be bored.

I’m a young adult, I know everything about the Mass, and it tests my patience to hear some of the song choices (among other abuses) at Mass these days.Yes, that stuff isn’t supposed to matter in the sum of things. Yet, if I walk out early during a closing song with clapping and dancing priests, something ain’t right.

Few, if any, young adults I know want to get up on a Sunday morning for that.

 

[miguel]

1. Intellectual honesty. Millions of Christians of all kinds have trouble believing some of the doctrines and/or Biblical stories (or both) that are basic to the Church. Adam and Eve, for example. What young people learn in science makes the story of Adam and Eve an insult to their intelligence.

Maybe the atheism posing as science is an insult to their intelligence. Creation had a beginning. Human life had a beginning. Sin had a beginning. Death came into the world because of sin. The savior came into the world because of sin.

1. Superstitions. Many youth come to regard various teachings of the church as superstitions. Take transubstantiation. The idea that a prayer by a priest turns bread and wine into the flesh and blood of Jesus strikes many as medieval, on a par with belief in ghosts and witches.

It even struck many of his disciples as medieval…Many therefore of his disciples, hearing it, said: “This saying is hard; and who can hear it?” But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at this, said to them: “Does this scandalize you? If then you shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you that believe not.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that did not believe and who he was that would betray him. (John 6:60-64)

1. Moral teachings. Many youth are sympathetic to gays, even approve of gay marriage, believe in artificial birth control, etc. This represents the sentiment that dominates among young people generally.
2. Confession. Many youth come to believe that their personal lives are not the business of a priest. They regard this as an attempt of the church to control their lives and resent it.

What kind of world would it be if everyone practiced murder, theft, adultery? It’s just common sense. God is good. And it shouldn’t be too surprising that he requires the practice of moral goodness among his family. And he gives us divine grace through the sacraments to enable us to do that since we are still the fallen descendants of Adam and Eve.

 

[jenkiedad]

I’m sure there are numerous “reasons” why young Catholics are leaving, but I think a lot of it is due to the lack of involvement. There needs to be a strong Youth Ministry in every Parish. The ministry needs to be more than just faith formation (or whatever your Parish calls it) in preparation for Confirmation.

In many parishes, once somebody is Confirmed, there is often nothing for them to get involved in.

I have seen some good successes with organizations like “EDGE” and “LIFE TEEN”, although there were some lukewarm references to Life Teen earlier in these threads.

Here’s an “about” link for Life Teen and Edge:
catholicyouthministry.com/about

If there’s something “bad” about these organizations, what are the specifics?

The only problem I’ve seen with these ministries is that although there’s a good number of kids involved, there’s still a lot of young Catholics that are missing the opportunity to participate.