Losing Our Sons – An Empty Space in the Pew

The Diocese of Port of Spain reports a growing crisis regarding the absence of young men and teenage boys from Catholic services. The diocese notes that while women and mothers continue to attend Mass, many households are losing the participation of their sons, who are increasingly absent from regular worship.

This disconnect manifests in various ways, including teenagers who refuse to attend, young professionals who identify as spiritual rather than religious, and adult sons who only return to the Church for specific milestones like Christmas Eve Mass, baptisms, or funerals. The diocese observes that the traditional rhythm of Catholic family life, where attending Mass was a standard household practice, has frayed.

To understand this trend, the diocese referenced sociological research, including a Swiss study suggesting that children whose mothers practice the faith without the father are less likely to continue religious participation.