“GOING GOING GONE . . . NOW WHAT”

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In their study, the Dynamics of Disaffiliation in Young Catholics, Saint Mary’s Press describes extensive research on young Catholics who have left the Church. This session will identify the underlying dynamics that lead to disaffiliation and describe the factors that reinforce those dynamics. We will also identify the practical pastoral responses and strategies that can enhance affiliation and engagement with the faith community and examine implications for parish and school life, vocational discernment, liturgy, and pastoral ministry. We need candid, honest, and realistic discussions, both as ministry leaders and as caring individuals, as together we explore what it means to accompany young people on their spiritual journeys.

Bob McCarty D.Min is a pastoral ministry consultant and trainer and has been in professional ministry since 1973, serving in parish, school, diocesan, and national settings. He offers consultations, retreats, workshops and training programs in ministry skills and issues internationally. Bob serves as the project coordinator for the Saint Mary’s Press research project, Going, Going, Gone: The Dynamics of Disaffiliation in Young Catholics. His recent books are Thriving in Youth Ministry; The Vision of Catholic Youth Ministry: Fundamentals, Theory and Practice; and Faith Talk: Having Conversations with Young People That Matter!