Different ties for younger eyes

"This generation is interested in community," said James Breen, director of young adult ministry for the Archdiocese of Boston. "There's not the attachment to buildings."

Lori Spanbauer, president of the National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association, agreed, saying: "The parish is the people."

Increased mobility also plays a role in attachment to parishes. "Families are scattered around the country," Ms. Spanbauer said. "Families are not going to the same parish for generations anymore."

This decreased attachment to buildings may make closing of parishes less painful in the future. "There will be some sense of loss," Ms. Spanbauer said. "There is always some significance placed on places."

However, both she and Mr. Breen believe that real efforts in young adult ministry will mean there will be less of a need for parish closures.

"A lot of people say if parishes become more young-adult-friendly, it will change the whole Church," Ms. Spanbauer said.

"I hope more parishes will be opening rather than closing," Mr. Breen said. "As we get more involved in young adult ministry, more parishes will be needed."

Successful young adult ministry can lead the Church into a vibrant future. "I see the Church attracting all age groups more readily," Mr. Breen said. "It will be a more vibrant and alive Church in the United States." (MM)

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