As the Church continues to adapt to the needs of modern parishioners, one challenge that stands out is how to engage and retain young people, especially as they transition from childhood to adulthood. Recent studies highlight the urgency of this issue. According to research in 2011, nearly half of Catholics who are now unaffiliated (48%) left the Church before reaching the age of 18. This statistic is a sobering reminder that the younger generations are more vulnerable to disengagement, and we must find new, effective ways to keep them connected to the faith.
At the same time, the way young people communicate and engage with the world is changing rapidly. A 2017 survey by Common Sense Media found that 53% of children in the United States own a smartphone by the age of 11, and 84% of teenagers have their own phones. With these digital devices now at the center of youth culture, it’s clear that the Church must meet young people where they are: on their mobile phones.
This is where CaDRIS can help. CaDRIS is a comprehensive, mobile-ready platform designed to streamline sacramental record-keeping, communication, and engagement with parishioners. Let’s take a closer look at how CaDRIS can play a key role in engaging and retaining young Catholics.
Why CaDRIS Matters
CaDRIS is designed with the digital age in mind. It not only helps parishes keep accurate and up-to-date sacramental records but also facilitates communication and outreach in ways that are more in tune with how people, particularly youth, engage today. Here are some of the key features and benefits that CaDRIS offers:
Mobile-Optimized Communication
With over 50-60% of emails opened on mobile devices, it’s clear that people—especially younger audiences—prefer to receive and interact with content through their phones. CaDRIS is fully mobile-optimized, meaning that sacramental updates, event notifications, and communications about parish life are all accessible on smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
This mobile accessibility ensures that both young people and their families can engage with the Church’s offerings in real-time, wherever they are. Whether it’s receiving a notification about a sacrament or registering for a youth retreat, CaDRIS makes it easy for parishioners to stay involved without the barriers of outdated communication methods.
Capturing Mobile Numbers Directly from Parishioners
CaDRIS allows parishes to capture and update mobile numbers directly from parishioners during key moments in sacramental, census or event participation. This not only ensures that communication is timely and direct but also facilitates a more personal connection through text messages, which many young people prefer.
By maintaining up-to-date contact information, parishes can send important updates or reminders about faith formation, sacrament preparation, or upcoming events—keeping young parishioners informed and engaged at all stages of their faith journey.
Tracking Youth Participation
One of the greatest benefits of CaDRIS is its ability to track sacramental preparation. This data allows parish leaders to identify areas where young people may be disengaging or where more outreach is needed.
By recognizing disengagement early, parishes can take proactive steps to reach out to youth, whether through direct communication or targeted programs designed to meet their spiritual needs. This kind of early intervention is key in ensuring young Catholics don’t slip through the cracks.
Empowering Families with Easy Access
Young people and their families can access sacramental records via a parishioner portal or update contact information—all from their mobile devices. This empowerment makes it easier for families to stay involved, whether they’re signing up for First Communion prep or managing their child’s Confirmation schedule. The convenience of mobile access fosters a sense of ownership and engagement, encouraging ongoing participation and connection to the Church.
Meeting the Challenge of Youth Disaffiliation
The statistics regarding youth disaffiliation in the Catholic Church are concerning, but they also present an opportunity to reevaluate how we connect with younger generations. By embracing tools like CaDRIS, parishes can meet youth where they are—on their phones—and provide the tools and communication necessary to keep them engaged in the faith.
We must recognize that today’s young people are digital natives, and if we want to build a strong, vibrant Church for the future, we need to speak their language. CaDRIS provides the infrastructure needed to create a more connected, responsive, and engaging parish experience, allowing the Church to form lifelong disciples in ways that resonate with the next generation.
As we continue to face the challenge of youth disaffiliation, CaDRIS is an invaluable tool for parishes looking to improve engagement and retention among young people. With its mobile-optimized platform, tracking features, and easy-to-use communication tools, CaDRIS is helping to bridge the gap between the Church and today’s digitally connected youth.
If you’d like to learn more about how CaDRIS can help your parish engage more effectively with young people and families, feel free to reach out for more information. Together, we can strengthen the Church’s presence and impact for generations to come.
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