Category Archives: focus on millennials

This fall, bishops from every corner of the globe will gather in Rome to discuss the church’s ministry to youth and young adults. Pope Francis has called on the leadership of the church not simply to talk about young people but to listen directly to them. From my own ministerial experience, I would highlight three traits that young people desperately crave from the church. Continue reading →

Speaking at a recent ordination of new priests in Ireland, Dublin Archbishop Diarmuid Martin said changes in the today’s culture must lead to changes in the church — particularly as it pertains to young people.

      “Change is painful. There is however no alternative,” he said. “Catholics must learn new ways in which they can win young hearts for what the teaching of Jesus involves.” Continue reading →

Every so often, a new catchphrase will take hold in church circles, signaling a change of course in catechetical method or missionary outreach. Phrases like “forming intentional disciples” and “ministry of presence” come to mind as examples. 

      In recent weeks, the call for “mentoring” has begun to circulate with greater frequency, particularly as the church considers how it is going to attract and retain young adults moving forward and how it is going to meet the needs of its millennial members. Continue reading →

Connection vs. isolation? Perfection vs. authenticity? Addiction vs. balanced use? Mention use of digital media, and I’m sure you will find people on either side of the spectrum. Regardless of where you stand, I know one things is certain — the power of digital networks cannot be underestimated in the lives of today’s young people. Continue reading →

Christian or Muslim. Pro-life or pro-choice. Liberal or conservative. One of us or one of them.

      The list of the familiar dichotomies that divide us and change the way we think about ourselves and other people goes on endlessly — often to the point that I fear we cease to remember that we are all, in fact, people.  Continue reading →

I was thrilled to see the announcement that Pope Francis will canonize Blessed Paul VI and Blessed Oscar Romero during the upcoming synod on “Young people, the faith and vocational discernment,” and I was even more elated that their canonizations will take place on the same day.

      I read Pope Francis’ choice for this timing as a subtle signal that it’s time to turn the page on the tired division between “pro-life” and “social justice” Catholicism. Millennial Catholics intuitively grasp the integrity of the church’s sexual, social and sacramental teachings. Perhaps, then, this dual canonization is more for established Catholic leaders still caught up in culture wars than for emerging leaders engaged in missionary activity. Continue reading →