As the lay male chaplain of the International Movement of Catholic Students – Asia Pacific (IMCS-AP), I offer this reflection with humility. I do not speak as an expert in ecclesial research or youth ministry, but as someone who accompanies young people in their journey of faith. The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Youth Survey 2017, conducted in preparation for the 2018 Synod of Bishops on Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment, provides valuable insights into the lives, concerns, and aspirations of young Australians. These findings provide guidance for those involved in pastoral ministry and for communities seeking to engage more meaningfully with young people.
Survey Design and Scope
The survey was commissioned by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and conducted by its Pastoral Research Office. It was open for six weeks, from May to July 2017, and targeted Australians aged 16 to 29 years. Invitations were distributed through Catholic schools, parishes, diocesan youth offices, and other Church agencies.
A total of 15,054 young people responded. The majority (81%) were aged 16–18, with smaller proportions aged 19–22 (6.5%) and 23–29 (12.6%). Respondents were predominantly female (57%), with 37% male and 6% preferring not to state their gender. Most were born in Australia (84%), with notable representation from the Philippines, India, Iraq, and the United Kingdom. Four per cent identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and five per cent reported having a disability.
The survey included both closed and open-ended questions, allowing respondents to express their views freely. This design enabled the collection of rich qualitative data alongside quantitative insights.
Faith, Identity and Church Involvement
Only one-quarter of respondents identified as Catholic and regularly attended Mass and parish activities. Among those aged 19 and over, this figure rose to 64%. Another quarter were occasionally involved in Church activities, while 21% indicated that their family was Catholic or Christian, but they themselves were not practising.
These findings reflect a generational shift in religious engagement, highlighting the importance of creating spaces where young people can explore their faith without pressure or judgment.
Positive Experiences in the Church
Young people identified several meaningful experiences within the Church:
- Youth groups: Valued for friendship, faith-sharing, and a sense of belonging
- Youth festivals and big events: Especially World Youth Day and the Australian Catholic Youth Festival
- Mass and liturgical gatherings: Provided spiritual nourishment and community
- Mission and outreach: Opportunities for service and reflection were deeply appreciated
These experiences were most engaging when they were inclusive, interactive, and spiritually enriching. Informal gatherings, musical events, and opportunities for leadership also received positive feedback.
Challenges Faced by Young People
The survey revealed that young people face a range of complex challenges. The most commonly identified issues were:
- Mental health (58%)
- School or study pressures (56%)
- Drugs and alcohol (53%)
- Body image (51%)
- Friendships and relationships (45%)
Older youth (19–29) also expressed concern about sexuality, employment, and spirituality. These concerns highlight the need for pastoral responses that address both spiritual and psychosocial dimensions of young people’s lives.
Listening to Young People: A Mixed Experience
When asked to rate their experience of being listened to by the Church (on a scale of 1–10), the average score was 5.9. School-aged youth rated their experience lower (5.8), while older youth rated it higher (6.5–6.6). Those regularly involved in Church life gave the highest scores (7.1).
Positive experiences of being listened to were shaped by:
- Being heard without judgement
- Supportive clergy
- Welcoming parishioners
Negative experiences included:
- Feeling dismissed due to age
- Judgement for differing views
- Lack of openness to modern issues (e.g., sexuality, mental health)
- Limited opportunities for youth leadership or input
These findings suggest that authentic listening—grounded in respect, empathy, and openness—is essential for meaningful engagement.
How the Church Can Help
Young people offered several suggestions for how the Church could better support them:
- Provide pastoral care for mental health, relationships, and personal struggles
- Offer faith formation and guidance in living a Christian life
- Be more inclusive, especially toward LGBTQ+ individuals
- Use social media and technology to connect meaningfully
- Create safe spaces for dialogue and discernment
- Support youth ministry with resources and leadership opportunities
There was also a call for more tailored engagement with older youth (aged 24–29), who often feel overlooked in parish life.
Reflections for Youth Ministries and Movements
As a chaplain, I am struck by the honesty and depth of these responses. They remind me that young people are not asking for perfection—they are asking to be seen, heard, and accompanied.
This survey offers a perspective on how pastoral ministry might respond to the needs of young people:
- Start small: Create spaces for listening and sharing
- Be present: Consistency matters more than expertise
- Celebrate diversity: Honour different journeys and identities
- Encourage action: Connect faith with justice and service
- Support discernment: Help youth explore vocation in its broadest sense
Conclusion
This survey is not merely a collection of data—it is a call to relationship. It invites us to walk with young people, not ahead of them. It challenges us to be a Church that listens, learns, and loves.
As a chaplain accompanying young people, I am grateful for this opportunity to reflect. May we continue to build communities where young people feel at home—in faith, in hope, and in love.
References
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. (2018). Called to fullness of life and love: National report on the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Youth Survey 2017. Pastoral Research Office.
Synod of Bishops XV Ordinary General Assembly. (2018). Young people, the faith and vocational discernment: Final report. Vatican City.