We want him to be successful. It s a story that hits close to home. But the Center s study, conducted among youth ministers by a Georgetown University research team for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, indicates cause for hope among young people themselves. In fact, U.S. bishops intend to use the survey of more than 6,000 tens as a blue print for developing youth ministry into the 21st century. In many ways, the study s results are good news.
Youth score high, for example, in Catholic identity.
M ore discouraging is the area of parental encouragement. Apparently, priestly and Religious life, which were acceptable, even highly regarded career choices decades ago, are less so now. Materially, success meant steady employment and a regular paycheck. People entering the workforce aspired to service jobs in policing, fire fighting, and in teaching and nursing. Service in the Church was honorable.