Our young people are growing up in a world unlike that of any previous generation. Our challenge to speak the Gospel in a language they can understand requires us to be attuned to the ever changing youth culture as well as to the never changing Word of God.

Culturally, we recognize that our young people:

• are no longer growing up in a pervasive Catholic culture where their faith formation is supported by multiple institutions;
• are impacted by the individualism in our society which suggests individuals can have a personal relationship with God and do not need a church or a faith community; and
• see religious participation as one choice among many for their calendars, and Catholicism as one option among many belief systems.

While culture constantly changes and challenges the work of faith formation, it is helpful to remember growth in faith progresses along with human development. The social sciences can offer insights into this process which can empower us as catechetical leaders.

Stages of Faith Development

The research and published work of James Fowler tells us most high school students are in the synthetic-conventional stage of faith development. This stage is characterized by the expansion of the world with competing demands for attention from family, school, work, peers, media, and religion. Young people in this stage are very aware of the expectations and judgments of others. They also have very strong feelings but have not stepped outside of themselves to examine their beliefs in a systematic way. They are working to form their own identity in faith and in the world. As they explore their identity, they seek to belong and desire to be recognized as special.

Reflection Questions

1. How do we invite young people to discipleship in ways that meet their developmental needs?
2. How can we help them discover their identity as unique and special individuals as well as appreciate the need for a community of believers?
3. How can we help reach out to parents/families so they are empowered in their role as the first and best teachers and role models of the faith?
4. How can we help young people embrace their Catholic identity while encouraging respect for other faith traditions?
5. How can we help them to know their faith and know about God, but also to experience God personally in their lives and experiences and develop the language to talk about it?

Continuing the Discussion and Working Together

The recently published Vision for Adolescent Catechesis says: This vision of adolescent catechesis calls for nothing less than re-imagining current faith formation and pastoral ministry efforts with young people and their families. It requires leaders at all levels to engage in honest assessments of current efforts and systems in order to create new relationships and patterns of ministry which work together to form disciples of Jesus Christ.

As we work together toward this new vision, we can benefit by reading the papers generated for the National Initiative on Adolescent Catechesis (NIAC) and use those to begin conversations in our parishes, schools, and dioceses regarding where we have been, where we are, and where we need to go.

We invite you to share with us your insights for our next issue on adolescent catechesis. Comments, thoughts, concerns, and/or suggestions may be e-mailed to Beth Simmonds, or may be posted to the discussion group found on the NACYML Members’ Website or on the NACYML LinkedIn discussion board.