The Counsel of Trent #1074 - FFAF: Do We Need Youth Ministry?
10 snips
Aug 29, 2025 
Join Eric Sammons, a writer at Crisis Magazine and former diocesan Director of Evangelization, as he sparks a lively debate about the necessity of youth ministry in the Catholic Church. They discuss its challenges, emphasizing the need for meaningful engagement with young individuals. Sammons shares insights on integrating youth into parish life over isolating them, the struggle of young men to connect, and the importance of family involvement in faith transmission. Expect personal stories and a fresh perspective on evolving ministry practices!
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Question The Status Quo
- Eric Sammons provocatively argued most teen-oriented apostolates should be shut down to better integrate youth into parish life.
- He frames this as questioning status quo practices rather than claiming absolute certainty.
Transmission Problem Is Real
- Eric cites research showing most cradle Catholics stop attending Mass regularly as adults.
- He uses that data to justify rethinking how the Church transmits faith to youth.
Family Predictors Beat Programs
- The strongest predictors of religious transmission are family-centered: shared parental faith, intact marriage, lived religion, religious talk, and secure attachments.
- Eric argues parish priorities should follow these predictors instead of siloed youth programs.
