Dear Fellow Disciples:

Research on religion in the United States by the Pew Charitable Trust reveals a growing number of people who have no religious affiliation. In the last five years alone, the number of people unaffiliated with a church has increased from 15% to 20% of all U.S. adults. The growth of the number of "nones" (people who say "none" when they are asked their religious affiliation) has affected the Catholic Church dramatically. The decrease in the number of people affiliated with a church is largely driven by generational trends. Adults under 30 have a 68% rate of affiliation compared with people who are over 65 who have a 91% rate of affiliation with a church. Among those who say they are affiliated with a church are many who seldom or never attend religious services.

When young adults are asked why they have no affiliation with a church they often respond that they do not see the relevance between the church and their lives. As a pastor I take some responsibility for this. While I see an incredibly powerful connection between my faith and my daily life, I am not sure I communicate that connection clearly. This is one reason why I am asking people to participate in the PPC21 forum. It is an opportunity for us to discuss how our faith can continue to help us and others to discover their God-gifted meaning, purpose and value. What helps you to see the connection between Jesus and your life? What helps you see the value of His church? Click here to get involved with one of the PPC21 discussions.

Your brother,
Fr. Kevin Kennedy