The Diocese of Bridgeport has launched an online youth survey, www.TellBishopFrank.org, to better understand and meet the spiritual needs of young people and engage them in the Church.
The survey and other youth initiatives were announced this morning at the Catholic Center during a meeting of about 150 youth ministers, directors of religious education, pastors, and educators.
The 13-question survey seeks information from young people aged 12 through 29 on their prayer life, family faith practices and their relationship with Jesus Christ. All are invited to participate in the survey, which will be up on line through April 15.
“This information will help shape how our diocesan and parish communities continue to find ways to meet the needs of our youth,” said Bishop Frank J. Caggiano. “The information we receive will help us to re-tool our programs.”
The Bishop said he was concerned by the growing number of young people who identify as “spiritual but not religious,” and he wants to make sure that every young person finds a home and place in the Church.
Patrick Donovan, director of the Diocesan Leadership Institute, which is coordinating the survey, said the multiple choice questionnaire is designed to be filled out quickly. It can be taken on a smart phone and is designed to be “mobile friendly.”
A three-page summary will be sent to the Vatican in preparation for the October 2018 Synod of Bishops, “Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment.”
“The survey is a valuable resource as we seek to re-imagine religious education and faith formation in our diocese,” said Donovan.
Evan Psencik. Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Formation, said “the renewal of the Church must start with our young people.”
For more information about youth ministry in the diocese of Bridgeport, email epsencik@diobpt.org, or call 203-416-1649.
