A
lesson learned early — pride in our faith
Pope Benedict XVI brings a message of hope on his visit to the United
States this week. A new poll of American Catholics, which this newspaper
reports on this week, shows reasons for hope even amid challenges.
The survey of more than 1,000 Catholics confirms the observation that
only about a third of the nation’s 51 million adult Catholics attend
Mass in a given week. Perhaps less well known is the degree of Catholic
pride, and what that means for the future.
Seventy-seven percent of respondents said they were proud to be Catholic
and 81 percent said their Catholic faith was important in their lives.
One possibility for such high affiliation may be the value of catechetical
formation at an early age. Simply put, the dedication of Catholic school
teachers and volunteer religious educators (formerly known as CCD teachers)
may be paying off in later life.
Something about those lessons of faith taught to children long ago may
have left in them a sense of belonging to our rich community of faith.
Even as Catholics grew up and perhaps became apathetic about the regular
practice of that faith, a kind of spiritual mustard seed has remained
in them, reminding them that they still belong and have reason for pride.
There’s yet more reason for hope. The youngest Catholics, whom the
study calls Millennials (born since 1981), exhibit a fervor for their
faith similar to that of their grandparents. They value the sacraments,
especially the Eucharist and marriage, have devotions to saints and tend
to be involved in their parishes.
It’s tempting for some observers to conclude from low Mass attendance
that the Church is in decline. But look to the 77 percent who are proud
to be Catholic. They are the ones, led perhaps by their youngest brothers
and sisters, who represent a great hope for the Catholic Church in the
United States.
This largest group of Catholics represents a hopeful sign because, despite
the challenges of scandal and secularization, they still proclaim their
faith in Jesus Christ and are proud to be members of His body, the Church.
That pride is no doubt swelling as the Church in America welcomes Pope
Benedict to our land. He brings a message of hope for a country that remains
firmly rooted in the Gospel, and one growing toward a new sprouting of
faith — a new evangelization. We pray with him in a confident voice,
in three words: Christ our hope!