What's the best way to get rid of the bats in the belfry?
Baptise and confirm them! You'll never see them again in Church!
The situation here in the West is exactly this. There is still quite a sizeable number approaching the sacrament of baptism and if the children are in a "faith" school, they also 'get' confirmed. But that's it. After that they are rarely seen anywhere near or in the Church. Two years ago, I was helping at the communion and first confessions of large group of school children, nearly 60 of them. All of them from the neighbouring Catholic primary school. Of course, not all of them would be part of this parish. Nonetheless, I haven't seen any of those children again!
The fact that one does not inherit faith, but chooses one is very true of the present generation of young people. One can view this very positively as a conscious choice rather than a blind following. It actually spells a certain maturity that Catholic Church has attained. But the issue of witness - or in this case, counter-witness - is at the heart of the whole process. Young people do not find the 'Church', worthy of trust and respect - leave alone of faith and love. In a sense, this is a logical outcome of the way 'Church' has been construed for centuries in the past - the clergy, and at the most the building! In the East, things are not too different; even though the present situation is not as divided as the West is.
For young people to see the Church in a more holistic and realistic light, will take time. Unfortunately those still 'guarding' the Church are not ready to open the eyes - and heart - to this fresh inclusive and enlivening understanding. Those willing are far too few and scattered to make a universal impact. Those happy to stand and merely watch are plenty.
Baptise and confirm them! You'll never see them again in Church!
The situation here in the West is exactly this. There is still quite a sizeable number approaching the sacrament of baptism and if the children are in a "faith" school, they also 'get' confirmed. But that's it. After that they are rarely seen anywhere near or in the Church. Two years ago, I was helping at the communion and first confessions of large group of school children, nearly 60 of them. All of them from the neighbouring Catholic primary school. Of course, not all of them would be part of this parish. Nonetheless, I haven't seen any of those children again!
The fact that one does not inherit faith, but chooses one is very true of the present generation of young people. One can view this very positively as a conscious choice rather than a blind following. It actually spells a certain maturity that Catholic Church has attained. But the issue of witness - or in this case, counter-witness - is at the heart of the whole process. Young people do not find the 'Church', worthy of trust and respect - leave alone of faith and love. In a sense, this is a logical outcome of the way 'Church' has been construed for centuries in the past - the clergy, and at the most the building! In the East, things are not too different; even though the present situation is not as divided as the West is.
For young people to see the Church in a more holistic and realistic light, will take time. Unfortunately those still 'guarding' the Church are not ready to open the eyes - and heart - to this fresh inclusive and enlivening understanding. Those willing are far too few and scattered to make a universal impact. Those happy to stand and merely watch are plenty.
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