Vatican II unknown to young Catholics

Vatican II unknown to young Catholics

The attention being directed toward Catholic youth in various evangelization efforts raises the question: How well do they know the Catholic Church's teachings and history, particularly regarding the event that most shaped the Church of today?

The Second Vatican Council met in 1962-'65 and drew clergy and Catholic thinkers to Rome to discuss how the Church should face the modern world. The council's twin goals were "aggiornamento," Italian for updating the Church's identity; and "ressourcement," a French term for maintaining the Church's roots.

Known familiarly as "Vatican II," the council shaped the face of the modern Church and the lives of its members, said Rev. Richard Vosko, a noted worship space designer who also serves at St. Vincent de Paul parish in Albany.

Father Vosko recently delivered workshops, lectures and a graduate course on Vatican II. Among the council's changes were celebrating Mass in the vernacular or local language rather than Latin; priests facing the congregation; an emphasis on participation in the liturgy; and the need for evangelization.

The council concluded almost 50 years ago. Although the teachings of Vatican II remain critical for today's Church, little is known about it by today's younger Catholics, experts report.

Amanda Patten, 26, is director of faith formation for Kindergarten through sixth grade at Immaculate Conception parish in Hoosick Falls. She was raised Catholic but learned more about her faith during college through the Newman Center at SUNY-Plattsburgh.

Little was taught, however, on the Second Vatican Council and its effects on the Church.

"I would hear, 'This is from Vatican II and this is from Vatican II,' but I would think, 'What does that really mean?'" said Ms. Patten.

Catholics born before the council were, for the most part, aware of its proceedings and the teachings, changes, clarifications and writings that resulted. They watched as their Church underwent an enormous transition.

Those born during and immediately after were also made aware of what Vatican II meant to Catholicism. For many, it was an exciting time for the faith and the results were shared in parishes, classrooms and homes.

As time went on, however, the teachings of the council became common knowledge, often taken for granted.

Father Vosko explained that, for the "millennial" generation - those born in 1982 or later - the vast theology that came from Vatican II was no different than the rest of Church teaching.

Today, pre-Vatican II and Vatican II Catholics sit in pews alongside youth who are unaware of what the Church once looked like. This is not necessarily a sign of ignorance or disinterest in young adult Catholics, but shows the need for them to be better educated in their faith, said Dave Stagliano, associate director of youth and young adult ministry for the Albany Diocese.

He explained that Catholics who seek out information are more likely to know the full expanse of the council.

Frequenting the sacraments can also help Catholics understand their faith. Ms. Patten explained that much of her understanding of Catholicism comes from weekly Mass: "Those that may not attend Mass regularly may not be as informed about their faith."

Theresa St. Germain, pastoral associate for faith formation for St. Patrick's parish in Athens and St. Patrick's in Catskill, majored in religious studies at The College of Saint Rose in Albany. She's now working on her Master's degree in pastoral studies at St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry in Albany.

Raised Catholic, she became familiar with Church teachings and documents through her studies.

"I do not represent the majority of young Catholics," she remarked. "My generation was brought up in a time where Vatican II changes should have already taken place and, because of that, [they] may not know very much about the council."

But Vatican II "is an important part of being a Catholic because change is inevitable," said Ms. St. Germain. "We should know where we've been so that we can see more clearly where we're going."

(07/01/10)