Boomer Looks at Survivors and Millennials

Some years ago the priests of the Diocese of Rochester met for a two day conference to discuss the challenges we face in communicating the Faith to our parishes.

The focus was on “Young Adults and the Catholic Church”. A young adult was classified as someone from the age of 18 to 40. They comprise according to our presenters, 2 generations of humanity. (A generation spans roughly twenty years. Its members are joined by a common experience of nurturing, dramatic social moment, and a similar spiritual awakening.)

The two current generations of young people are called Survivors (age 22-42) and most recently Millennials (age 0-21). Of course no list of sociological theories can define any one person. We are all unique in how we process the world around us. Nevertheless, these were the hallmarks of the two youngest generations. See what you think.

Survivor Generation (Age 22-42)

Facts:

• Most aborted generation in history
• Parental divorce struck survivors harder than any generation
• “Family” is defined in many and complex ways
• Perceived as a “blacksheep” generation
• Incarceration rate higher than other generations
• Grew up underprotected
• High incidence of “risk taking” behavior
• Establishes a pragmatic lifestyle, tending toward privacy and reclusiveness

Millennial Generation (Age 0-21)

Facts:

• Lowest child to parent relationship in American history
• “Quality education” is raised as a political issue
• Low birth rate–highly desired and nurtured children
• Outward looking, unites in a heroic effort during a secular crisis
• (This generation has many of the traits of the generation now passing away referred to lately as the “Greatest” Generation). The common experience? War.
• Powerful builders and leaders.

These two latest generations have yet to make their full mark on our society. From personal observation I see two wonderful qualities in these young people.

1. They value lifelong friendships and find strength in keeping close touch with one another even at a distance.
2. These younger generations seem to be color blind. They’re not afraid to mix races and ethnic back grounds in forming their circle of friends.
3. They’re practical. They want things to work. They’re not long on poetry or philosophy but their belief in technology will bring wonderful new developments to our lives.
4. They are willing to volunteer to serve human needs. Wonderful!

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So what does this all mean? It means we have to make room for each other. We have to find a way to welcome everyone. It means young people need to feel appreciated and valued for their particular gifts. It means that God’s gifts are revealed in all of His people.

We will make every effort at Holy Trinity Church to welcome our young people and to call forth the gifts God has given them to offer to the church. Young people will always be called to ministry in this community, as lectors, eucharistic ministers, catechists, peer counselors, parish visitors and evangelists. Along with their primary vocation as husbands/wives, fathers/mothers, our young will be an essential part of this worshipping community.

Young people. . . . . . hold us to this promise!

Fr. Tim

The Boomer Generation
(Disrespects authority and wants it all for free!)