1. (Check all that apply) In your experience, as youth grow up they leave Catholicism because they…

001 simply need to get away from Catholicism in order to cherish it more when they return

002 see Catholicism as outdated or irrelevant to the modern world

001 did not get adequate spiritual guidance by family or Church (or both)

002 Other: (See Remarks with GREEN text)

2. (Check one) In your opinion, evangelizing by Catholics outside Church walls would be:

002 a great thing that is needed to compete with other things the world is exposed to

000 something that should not be attempted unless the Holy See or our Bishop directs it

001 something that could only be a disaster that would drive young adults further away

002 something that every Catholic should try to do after the Priest’s blessing and the dismissal rite.

001 Other: (See Remarks with ORANGE Text)

3.  If neighborhood prayers are collected by evangelists and presented to priests, they would be … (check all that apply)

003  prayed upon as an offering at the Altar at Mass

000  presumed read and understood already by God

000  ignored entirely

000  directed to social workers who can help people, on a case by case basis.

000  helpful in getting people to get to Mass

000  a complete waste of time.

002  Other (See remarks with BLUE text)

 FREE SPACE for Additional comments:

·         (Survey 17) I WANT TO SAY THAT WHEN I SPOKE TO MANY PRIESTS IN PERSON ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4^th MORE THAN A FEW AGREED WITH THIS SURVEY RESPONDENT THAT THE PRESENTATION OF THE SURVEY WAS APPARENTLY RUSHED, DISORDERED, OR INSANE – TAKE YOUR PICK. SO MOVED I AM BY THIS RESPONSE THAT ALTHOUGH UNSIGNED, EASILY LED ME BACK TO THE SENDER THAT I AM GOING TO GO FIND THIS PERSON TO PERSONALLY THANK THE RESPONDENT FOR THE DETAILED AND INFORMATIVE RESPONSE, WITH AN INTEREST IN OBTAINING SUGGESTIONS ON IMPROVEMENT IN FUTURE EFFORTS. In reference to the introductory letter, in which this writer who wishes I were still 40 referred to 20-40 year olds as “these kids.”} “Young Adults! Not “Kids” (demeaning).” {I stand corrected). “At {an evangelistic-centered nearby} Parish, I’m told, every woman is either Pregnant or pushing a stroller – or both.” {In reference to the Teen Life Masses, which seems to be a sensible and grammatically correct description, despite the fact I’m a little lisdexic} The correct term is LIFE TEEN, not Teen Life. ADDITIONAL FREE COMMENTS: I currently serve as the Director of Education at {a Hillsborough County Parish). We have a small program for children age 3 to grade 5 (dozens of children). By involving the parents ages 25-55 in family-centered activities (such as) a Family Stewardship activity, Family Advent Wreath Activity, Family-centered Way of the Cross, Family Celebration of Reconciliation … families presenting gifts at Mass, Parents serving as Catechists, Assistants, Aides etc. … Scripture Study, Family Vacation Bible School (and so on) … WORK THROUGH THE CHILDREN OF THESE YOUNG ADULTS! (to reach and keep their parents engaged) {John’s response … those are excellent ideas!} “ALSO, Theology on TEP (Teacher Educational Program?) for Catholic Professionals ages 25-45 is drawing hundreds in cities across the country. My own (beloved relative) has gone on Medical Mission trips from her university. Have you looked into research into the effectiveness of Catholic Campus Ministry in our area – and nationwide? {John answers – not yet}. Also, many Newman Centers do NOT have a strong outreach to college students. I don’t like to be critical, but this questionnaire is difficult to follow.  Since it has been the trend since the 1970’s to discontinue Church involvement, most (20-40 year olds) see leaving the Church as what is expected by their peers. (Regarding evangelizing by Catholics outside Church walls). A great thing – what? {THIS IS only … something that should not be attempted when the Holy See or our Bishop directs it.} I would suggest Mission trips of 1, 2 or more weeks to Third-World Nations – under leadership of adult Catholics. I’d say … work through Campus Ministries. Missionary work has always been a part of our Catholic Christian tradition. (Paraphrasing) Should Catholics try to evangelize after the dismissal rite? It’s very vague question. I am not sure what you are talking about.

·         (Survey 18) Youth leave Catholicism because they have been … Scandalized. {all true – but the Bishop was correct in reminding us all that despite of a small percentage of people involved with scandals that have attracted an exaggerated amount of negative feelings towards the Church – and truly the young adults are smart and say to themselves ‘THESE guys want to preach to ME? I’ve never done any of these things,’ - the positives within the only Church personally commanded into existence by God – ours  - objectively far outweigh the negatives. If not, the Church would have ended in the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, personally chosen by Christ to be one of his best representatives. God is in control - still}. If neighborhood prayers are collected by evangelists and presented to priests, they would be PERSONALLY prayed upon as an offering at the Altar at Mass. If young parents were to fashion their framing of kids in Christian modalities, something could be done with the upcoming generations. If the materialistic, secularist{ic} lifestyles continue in families, these kids are lost to “Christianity.” We need practical CATHOLIC Christian training for young adults. {John adds – I could not agree more.}

·         (Survey 19)  (NO COMMENTS)  

·         (Survey 20) (GENERAL) Focus on families - start promoting family prayer, family time for eating and talking together.  Small Christian Communities - Organize the Parish in small groups of 10 or 15 basing area on communities or neighborhoods - monthly meeting, prayer and discussion, Bible Study, celebrations etc.  Visit of the Pastor and blessing of the House once a year - VERY IMPORTANT! (added) I am sorry to be late. {answer: no problem} But these suggestions I have made may be useful to you. {answer: they are! Thanks} I am from (one of Earth's most populous countries). I was pastor for many years in {one of the world's most populous cities}. We have proved these suggestions to be very fruitful in our pastoral approach.