Why Are Young People Leaving the Church? (The Drew Mariani Show)

You might be heartbroken about the fact that your kids have left the faith. What can you do, and where's the hope?   In this episode of The Drew Mariani Show, Drew talks with Msgr. Stuart Swetland about a topic many parents are asking themselves: Why are so many young people leaving the Church before the age of 23? 😟   Drew kicks off the conversation by pointing out the clash between faith and the modern world 🌍, where science and technology seem to dominate everything. Young people are bombarded with the idea that faith is old-fashioned, and the Church is out of sync with science. But Msgr. Swetland is quick to call this out as a lie—a sneaky trick from the evil one.  He emphasizes that faith and reason go hand-in-hand and that some of the greatest minds in science (hello, Father Georges Lemaître!) were devout Catholics. ⛪   But it’s not just the science vs. faith myth pulling young people away. Drew mentions that we’re living in a culture obsessed with individualism and relativism.  "Your truth, my truth" thinking has become the norm, and anything that challenges that, like the Church’s teachings on morality, especially around sexuality, is labeled as intolerant or outdated. Young people are taught that meaning can be found outside the Church—and that’s leading them straight off a cliff. 😬   Msgr. Swetland shares some jaw-dropping stats: 80% of cradle Catholics stop practicing by age 23! It’s a wake-up call for the Church to engage these young souls. Yet he’s hopeful. 🙏 There’s still time to turn the tide, and part of that involves reaching out with love and sharing the truth in a compelling, relatable way.   🎤 They take a caller, Rocco from Brooklyn, who brings up another big factor—unchastity. Rocco points out that a lot of young people simply don’t want to be told how to live, especially when it comes to their sexuality. But Msgr. Swetland reminds us that true love and fulfillment aren’t found in unchastity. We need to remember the beauty of living authentically, through holy matrimony or celibacy.   Young people want a Church that loves them, listens to them, and shows them that truth is exciting and life-giving. And maybe, just maybe, what they need most is a good story. 🌱   Msgr. Swetland finishes strong by reminding us that faith and reason don’t contradict. The Church has always embraced both, and we need to be countercultural—to boldly show the next generation that living a life of faith is where true joy and fulfillment lie. ✨   The Church needs good storytellers, people who can share to the world about the beauty of God's creation.   👋 What do you think? Are these points hitting home with the young people in your life? Let’s keep this conversation going—there’s still so much work to do, but the future is full of hope! Don't be afraid to share your story and boldly witness to the faith you have!     The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.