A trip across the pond brought good news for parish communities looking to strengthen their numbers. And a “Quiet Revival” of young people are looking for answers in the Catholic Church.
Father Bryan Zielenieski, diocesan vicar for Renewal and Development, took part in an Alpha International Leadership Conference in London. The 10-day conference, held April 28-May 8, consisted of an intensive leadership component and an international conference with people from across the globe.
“The intensive part was really leadership and looking at what are the trends of today and how can Alpha meet those going forward in your specific context,” Father Zielenieski explained.
One positive trend is that the Quiet Revival is happening across all Christian denominations. Generation Z and Generation Alpha, basically everyone under the age of 30, are on point to becoming the largest faith generation in history because they’re searching.
“They’ve learned that secularism and wokeism are always demanding more from you. They’re learning that culture is telling them they’re never enough, it’s never enough, or they’re not good enough,” Father Zielenieski noted. “So, as they’re searching, they’re discovering Jesus, and they’ll research online about this person of Jesus and then come to the Church wanting to learn more about that community and what it’s all about.”
France saw a record 17,000 welcomed into the Church during the Easter vigil this year according to Premier Christianity magazine. Father Zielenieski said Vancouver and Montreal also saw a large number of new members this year.
“There have been upticks of dioceses throughout the world of this younger generation that’s looking. That’s what they’re calling the Quiet Revival. Very exciting,” he said.
Father Zielenieski now wants the Diocese of Buffalo to get ready to meet these young people, noting that Europe is usually five to 10 years ahead of the United States.
“From what I saw at the conference, it’s telling Buffalo, we need to be ready because these young people are searching, looking.”
The conference informed the attendees that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are looking for a church with a sense of mission. They want to be welcomed, they want to assume leadership roles, and they want to have a role in shaping the Church going forward. They also want a varied worship style, with a mix of modern and conservative.
“They want praise and worship while receiving Communion on the tongue. There are no boundaries for them, which is very beautiful, but not something we’re used to. So, our communities need to be ready for that,” Father Zielenieski said.
At Buffalo’s Renewal conference this past May, Father Zielenieski shared much of this, asking pillar leaders to cater their work to this information.
“How are we going to meet the younger generation? Are we going to meet them? Are we ready to put them in leadership roles? Are we putting them on our pillar teams? Are we making outreach efforts inclusive and not just what we’ve always done in our communities?” he asked.
YouthMinistry360 suggested these younger generations want more personal and purposeful relationships. Suggestions include creating environments and activities that encourage kids to build friendships with one another and with their small group leaders. Gen Alpha wants people to really see them, know them, and hear them. As leaders, we need to make sure we are actively listening to what kids have to say and remembering it.
The church is heading into a “very positive direction,”Father Zielenieski said.
