How to form Generation X

By MAUREEN MCGUINNESS- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

Once young adults are affiliated with a parish, there is a need for formation, according to experts. The current generation of young adults was in Catholic schools and religious education programs in the time after Vatican II.

"Vatican II did a good job calling forth the laity, but the Church didn't know what to teach," explained Lori Spanbauer, president of the National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association. As a result, young adults are lacking in Catholic identity, she said.

James Breen, director of the Office of Young Adult Ministry for the Archdiocese of Boston, said formation opportunities are important for this age group.

"Young adults were not properly formed in the faith," he said. "Our kids are being formed better than us."

The experts agree that young adults will participate in these formation opportunities if:

* they are designed for and by them,

* formation opportunities are on a diocesan level since young adults aren't necessarily members of a parish,

* include child care, and

* respect the time constraints on young adults. "In their business lives, they are making significant decisions and contributions," said Rev. John Cusick, director of young adult ministry for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Because of that, they are used to agendas and schedules.

Said Mr. Breen: "We need to respect their time. There should be a starting time and ending time. Young adults will make the time if it's valuable." (MM)

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