I am with you!

Dear friends,

Well, it might have only been three young people we sat with last night but it was an extrordinary experience for both Amanda and I. There was a whole hour of further discussion in our car on the way home. We know each of these people fairly well as they live in the same house as Amanda's son but interviewing them about their religious beliefs, where they see themselves going in life, their hopes, aspirations and their fears — or lack of fear — was spellbinding for both of us. These are three representatives of the 95% of young people educated in Catholic schools who no longer have much connection with Catholicism. I had hoped to have edited the recording to present it this morning but we didn't get home until about 2.30am and I spent an hour editing before "hitting a wall". I'll have to hold that over until Monday now but it is something to look forward to and I am sure it is going to be an interview that will generate much discussion, particularly amongst those who have expreienced the joys and pains of parenthood in bringing their children through to adulthood. Two of my own adult children have written for Catholica but the young people we chatted with last night are probably more representative of the vast majority of young people who would be unlikely ever to put pen to paper, or fingers to the keyboard, to articulate their thoughts on these sorts of matters.

I'm sure there will be few surprises for most Catholic teachers in what they will hear. There might be a few surprises for our ecclesial leaders though who simply have little opportunity to really understand the challenges parents face when you have responsibility for the education of your own children 24/7. Catholic teachers might find the interview valuable as an aid in their communications to our ecclesial leaders in saying to them: "this, Gentlemen, is the harsh reality you have to learn to face as to why you are failing to get your messages about Jesus across". Will they be willing to listen though to a tiny, tiny selection from the 95% who will not be participating in World Youth Day in Sydney next year?

Interestingly, last night as we drove in to meet the young people ABC local radio broadcast a fascinating address social researcher, Hugh Mackay, gave recently. It's about his new book, Advance Australia Where, which looks in detail at many of the changing aspirations in our community. It is well worth listening too and you can download the podcast at: www.abc.net.au/nightlife/stories/nightlifepodcast.htm.

Meanwhile today we do have a poignant commentary that we've been holding incase I wasn't able to complete the interview in time for publication today. Ted Mason sent it in. It's a reflection on one of the most moving celebrations of the Mass he ever attended and when the meaning of the Mass was really driven home to him. I'm not sure a story, even as moving as this, would have much impact on the young people we were conversing with last night as it's written from a completely different mind-space to the one Amanda and I find our children and their friends tend to be in these days. Nevertheless it will have resonance with many of you. Perhaps we might ask everyone to share with us in our forum our most moving celebrations of the Mass, or the most moving spiritual moments in our lives. <Click HERE to read Ted's Commentary>

PETITION UPDATE…

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Best wishes for a great day wherever you happen to be ... in life, and in our world,

Brian Coyne
Editor and Publisher