Lockdown affected wellbeing for many people, especially young ones, an Otago University study has found. The study undertaken during lockdown is providing a glimpse into New Zealand’s mental health. Young people in particular found it hard-going. The study results were reported in a research paper,’Psychological distress, anxiety, family violence, suicidality, and wellbeing in New Zealand Read more
Gregorian chants, renaissance choral music and incense wafting from a metallic censer. In an era when Kanye West runs gospel-inspired services, and megachurches, like Hillsong, release chart-topping hits, these ancient Christian traditions are, unexpectedly, having a moment. And they’re not just resonating with older generations, either. Younger people are flocking to late-night Latin Mass — Read more
Climate change, water resources, inculturation and indigenous practices were among the topics discussed during the Amazon Synod’s Sunday afternoon session. A general summary of the topics discussed during the closed-door session has been published. Some of the discussions focused on ordaining married men. It was described as a “legitimate need” but one which “cannot affect Read more
The Catholic Enquiry Centre (CEC) has launched a video competition calling on students to share the stories of ‘saints’ in their lives. The competition ‘Saints Next Door’ is open to young people of all faiths and denominations. In 2018, Pope Francis shared a letter about saints. He explained that saints needn’t be mystical people from Read more
If the recent conference at the University of Notre Dame — where speakers postulated reasons for young people’s disassociation from the Catholic Church — represents the approach going into the upcoming Synod of Bishops on young people, we would beg church officials to postpone the gathering. What we heard was a familiar litany, placing blame Read more
Pope Francis is arranging a youth summit for March next year so he can hear firsthand from young people before next September’s bishops’ synod. “The Church wants to listen to the voice, the sensitivity, of faith and also the doubts and criticisms of young people,” he says. The Vatican says it is inviting young people Read more
The Anglican Parish of Kāpiti, says the Messy Church is providing a vehicle for teenagers to grow in their connection with God and their expression of devotion and hospitality. Messy Church is not a denomination, but a world -wide movement that attempts to provide “a relaxed style of church suitable for all ages.” It values Read more
So many churches pour money and energy into flashy worship services meant to make teenagers and young adults think that church is cool. But it turns out cool isn’t what young people want. Forget the rock-band vibe and the flashing lights. Warm is the new cool. For our book “Growing Young,” we researched more than Read more
Pope Francis has asked his fellow Jesuits involved in priestly formation to help seminarians understand that in the real world. “Decisions Catholics make in their everyday lives are rarely ethically clear-cut, but rather exist on a spectrum between good and evil,” the pope said. “We need to form future priests not to general and abstract ideas, Read more
The Catholic Church in Ireland needs a “reality check”, the Archbishop of Dublin said, in the wake of an overwhelming referendum vote for same-sex marriage. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin also said the Church needs to ask itself if it has drifted away from young people. In the referendum on May 22, voters were asked if they Read more