The term “disaffiliation” frequently surfaces in discussions about dwindling church attendance, yet the issue extends far beyond the religious sphere. Various industries and community organizations have also experienced a sharp decline in membership, echoing a broader societal shift, as documented by Robert Putnam in his pivotal work, “Bowling Alone.” This treatise on the loss of social connections in American life reflects a move away from collective institutional life toward a more isolated and polarized existence. We know that trust in all traditional institutions isn’t what it used to be, but specifically, the narrative surrounding religious engagement and institutional trust has evolved, demanding that we reexamine how young people connect with faith.
Research from Pew, Gallup and the General Social Survey corroborates this trend, revealing a marked decline in trust towards major social institutions over the last fifty years. As this erosion of trust reshapes generational perspectives, traditional metrics of religious engagement—attendance, membership and financial giving—no longer suffice as reliable indicators of an individual’s faith. Nancy Ammerman’s insights in “Sacred Stories and Spiritual Tribes” further illuminate this phenomenon, suggesting that religion increasingly occurs outside traditional institutions.
As we face this shift, the real danger lies in persisting with outdated modes of engagement. If we continue to prioritize old metrics we will misdirect efforts, leading to strategies that fail to resonate with the lived experiences of young people. These metrics, which historically served as markers of institutional connection, are less relevant in a world where information is abundant, and trust in institutions is low.
The necessity for new tools—ones that genuinely account for the individualized nature of faith in the modern era—is evident. To truly engage with young people in a world skeptical of institutions, we must adopt new ways of listening. These tools must move beyond numerical metrics and prioritize understanding the individual’s journey. Catholic schools, grounded in a legacy of education and spiritual formation, are uniquely positioned to lead this charge.
From the pews to the polls, young people are raising questions and leading world-changing conversations. It’s a bit of a struggle for those trying to keep the spark of faith alive in the next generation. Catholic schools stand amidst this shifting landscape with a wealth of tradition behind them, poised for potential yet grappling with the same quandary as all historical entities in modern times: how to remain relevant and effective in a world that increasingly questions the old ways.
While Catholic schools may be steeped in tradition, they’re not anchored by it. Many are charging ahead with fresh ideas, particularly when it comes to fostering real, meaningful conversations and relationships that resonate deeply. Catholic schools have always been about molding minds and shaping spirits. They understand that whispers of doubt, the search for meaning and the yearning for authenticity are echoing louder in the halls than ever before. These institutions hold a structural advantage, a foundation rooted in community and contemplation that could support a reimagining of spiritual dialogue. Catholic schools, with their close-knit environments and values-driven education, have the potential to be fertile grounds for the growth of relationships and dialogue that today’s world thirsts for.
Catholic schools are uniquely positioned to serve as incubators for the faith journey, cultivating spaces where young minds can grapple with the spiritual and existential questions that stir within them. They are institutions on a learning curve, recognizing the need to listen more keenly, to open avenues for two-way communication, and to forge relationships that transcend the conventional teacher-student dynamic. In these schools, the opportunity for growth and learning doesn’t just lie with the students, but with the educators and the institution itself as it seeks to redefine its role in a world of disaffiliation.
In a low-trust world, Catholic educators are becoming active listeners, swapping the lecture for a two-way street where dialogue reigns supreme. They’re making a pact with integrity, promising to walk their talk, and aren’t afraid to own up when they fall short. They’re sharing life lessons, not just from the Bible, but from their own journeys, stripping away the veneer of infallibility to reveal a relatable, human side.
It’s important to acknowledge that educators are navigating this disaffiliated landscape, often without a clear map. They’re working within systems that have yet to fully adapt to the digital and ideological shifts of our time. This is uncharted territory, where educators must balance preserving time-honored traditions with integrating progressive pedagogies that resonate with today’s youth.
To support this shift, Catholic schools need to weave a safety net of support that catches students in their moments of doubt, bolstering their faith with conversations that affirm and uplift. Educators will also require support, blending wisdom with warmth, knowledge with empathy, becoming not just teachers or administrators but mentors, guides and, dare we say, friends.
As the landscape of belief continues to shift beneath our feet, Catholic schools are pivoting with grace and determination. They’re setting a new standard for spiritual education, one that’s built on the bedrock of relationships, powered by the currency of trust, and rich with the promise of growth. In a world of side eyes and skepticism, these schools are looking forward, eyes wide open to a horizon filled with hope and the kind of faith that thrives on connection.
As the world changes, so too must the approach to spiritual education and mentorship. By fostering environments where listening and relationships are paramount, Catholic schools can create spaces where young people are empowered to explore their faith amidst the ever-present flux of societal norms and technological advancements. Through this, they can ensure that faith remains not just relevant, but a dynamic and integral part of young lives, even in a world that often seems to be pulling away from the familiar shores of tradition.
Megan Bissell is the NCEA Vice President of Research and Data.
Megan Bissellmegan@ncea.org