Catholic Young Adults and Lent

New CARA study on Lenten observances among Catholics has some interesting findings about young adults.

Among Catholics who attend Mass at least once a month, those of the Millennial Generation (born 1982 or later) are the most likely to observe Lenten practices. More than nine in ten of these Catholics report that they abstain from meat on Fridays and receive ashes on Ash Wednesday. About three-quarters of these young adult Catholics also give up something during Lent. A similar percentage makes other positive efforts.

“These results suggest that there really is something exceptional about the youngest generation of Catholics who are active in their faith,” said Mark M. Gray, Director of CARA Catholic Polls (CCP). “In terms of Lenten practices, young adult Catholics who are attending Mass at least once a month are more likely to observe the Church’s obligations and traditions—more so than their parents and grandparents.”

Journalistic Malpractice

Mollie at Get Religion looks at the sequence of events in the reporting of recent stories about the supposed “rehabilitation of Luther” and the “new deadly sins.”

Evangelical Catholicism

John Allen reports on a discussion of Evangelical Catholicism at University of Dayton. The speakers all agreed it was an important movement, but weren’t agreed on what it is. All are agreed it is especially a way to talk about the energy and enthusiasm young Catholics have for their faith, and sharing it.

That certainly describes the strongest segment of the young adult population I worked most in my days with the archdiocese. This was especially evident on retreats such as Bayou Awakening. Bayou #11 starts today, by the way. I’d invite you to pray for the young people who will be on this retreat.

St. Patrick’s Day

Catholics celebrate St. Patrick’s Day today this year, since the 17th will be in Holy Week–the secularized debauched version will still be remembered on Monday. Dallas Morning News has a good article.

The Press and the Chaldean Archbishop

Mollie at GetReligion looks at the lack of coverage of the kidnapping and death of the Chaldean Catholic archbishop in Mosul in the mainstream media.