Young Adult Catholics

"Leaders of the American Catholic community want to and need to reach out to young adults. But effective ministry to young adults depends on an understanding of the attitudes and the needs of the current generation of Catholics in their 20s and 30s. This is why Dean Hoge, William Dinges, Mary Johnson, and Juan Gonzales began their study of young adult Catholics. How do they actually live their Catholicism? Are they alienated from the church? Are they cynical about the church's moral teachings? Do they take the pope's statements seriously? Do they attend Mass? Have significant numbers left for other churches? Do they want Catholic education for their children?" "Seeking answers to these and other questions, the authors conducted a national survey in 1997, supplemented by a telephone survey and then by personal interviews with over 800 men and women across the country. The interviews put a human face on the information provided, and they form a compelling part of this timely narrative. Of special interest is the focus on Latino Catholics. The authors underscore observations that include the strength and tenacity of Catholic identity in spite of many challenges, the high level of personal decision making among those interviewed and surveyed, and the readiness of young Catholics for institutional reforms."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Best Review at the Catholic Press Association Convention Studies of young American Catholics over the last three decades suggest a growing crisis in the Catholic Church: compared to their elders, young Catholics are looking to the Church less as they form their identities, and fewer of them can even explain what it means to be Catholic and why that matters. Young Catholic America, the latest book based on the groundbreaking National Study of Youth and Religion, explores a crucial stage in the life of Catholics. Drawing on in-depth surveys and interviews of Catholics and ex-Catholics ages 18 to 23--a demographic commonly known as early "emerging adulthood"--leading sociologist Christian Smith and his colleagues offer a wealth of insight into the wide variety of religious practices and beliefs among young Catholics today, the early influences and life-altering events that lead them to embrace the Church or abandon it, and how being Catholic affects them as they become full-fledged adults. Beyond its rich collection of statistical data, the book includes vivid case studies of individuals spanning a full decade, as well as insight into the twentieth-century events that helped to shape the Church and its members in America. An innovative contribution to what we know about religion in the United States and the evolving Catholic Church, Young Catholic America is the definitive source for anyone seeking to understand what it means to be young and Catholic in America today.

This volume provides all who minister to young people with an effective blueprint for building a truly meaningful ministry

A complete picture of vocation among young Catholic adults today using up-to-date sociological research with contributions from a broad perspective of young American Catholics.

DOCAT is "revealing the secret" to young people around the world. DOCAT helps young people to know and live Catholic Social Teaching. It's a great, practical follow up to YOUCAT, the hugely popular Youth Catechism, based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Drawing on Scripture, YOUCAT, the Catechism, and the Compendium of Catholic Social Teaching, DOCAT shows young people how to work toward building a "civilization of love". Features include: • Popular Q & A YOUCAT style, tackles tough questions about social justice and related issues • Lots of full-color photos with young people and others • Inspirational and insightful quotes , including comments from St John Paul II, Mother Teresa, Pope Francis, Pope Benedict • Written with help from church leaders, business leaders, social activists, and young people • Guides young people in conscience formation and Catholic action on social and political issues

This newest book in the very popular Vision Books series of saint's lives for young people presents the inspiring story of the first married couple ever canonized together in the Church, Louis and Zelie Martin, who lived in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It tells about their beautiful family of nine children, that includes the most popular saint of modern times, St. Therese of Lisieux. Louis, a successful watchmaker, was a happy bachelor and intended to remain one. Zélie, who had wanted to become a religious sister, became an expert lace maker and started her own company. Then one day they met, and everything changed for them. They fell in love, married, and raised a large and very happy family. While their main focus and devotion was on their marriage, children, and their Catholic faith, Louis and Zelie were able to continue their professions as a watchmaker and lace maker. The Martin household was full of love and joy, even amidst many sorrows and challenges, and they always showed great charity toward their neighbor and anyone in need. The secret to their happiness was an unfailing love made possible by their boundless faith in God. All the challenges the Martins faced, great and small, were met with a profound trust in Divine Providence.