In 2017, the Australian Catholic Bishop’s Conference initiated a survey of young people aged 16 to 29 to highlight the concerns of young people.
The survey was the largest ever survey of young Catholics. Archbishop Fisher, the Bishop’s delegate for youth, revealed that over 15 000 young Catholics responded ‘passionately and earnestly’.
The survey highlighted the following key areas of concern:
- Mental health
- Identity issues – ethnic, spiritual and sexual
- Loneliness
- Relationships
- The future of our society
- Politics and the Church
- Living a faith filled life in a secular world
Archbishop noted that the survey revealed issues that affect every Catholic Australian and are all issues which the Church cares deeply about and has much to say about. But Archbishop Fisher also stated that amongst these issues is great cause for hope, as these issues highlight the need to redirect ourselves towards the message and life of Christ.
Trudy Dantis, director of the Pastoral Research Office, which conducted the survey, said that the overwhelming response shows that young people value what the Church is doing for them, yet at the same time feeling confident to express their concerns with the Catholic Church. Trudy says that the Church will use the information gathered from the survey to help better understand the Catholic youth of today and to better inform the Church’s ongoing ministry towards young people.
To find out more about the survey, click here: www.catholic.org.au
