Two new surveys were released this past week by the Pew Research Center. Pew Research is known for its research in the religious habits and trends of Americans. Last year, Pew released a devastating study that confirmed with numbers what many of us assumed through experience: 23% of all adult Americans self-identify as being either atheist, agnostic, or nothing in particular. Pew Research calls those who in this category “nones” as in none of the above. Nearly one in four adults are none of the above. What was even more jarring, but no less surprising, is that the younger the person, the more likely they are to self-identity as having no religious affiliation whatsoever. 35% of the so-called Millennials (those born between 1981-1996) are “nones.” Pew’s research also showed that the median age for “nones” is 36. This should get our attention. The latest survey builds upon research among the “nones.” Half of the “nones” were raised in religious households. But keep in mind that the “nones” are taken from all adults, half of which were raised in religious households. The younger generations – children of “nones” – won’t even have a religious tradition to reject. Let me be clear, I’m not trying to be Chicken Little making a grand proclamation that the sky is falling. I’m also not inclined to say we have the luxury of still living in the Bible Belt where these issues don’t pertain to us. Both are untrue. The sky is not falling (the lesson from Hebrews this week reminds us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever), but these issues absolutely pertain to us. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve dealt with areligious children in planning the funerals of devout parents. I’ve also seen and heard the lament of many a parent in this parish whose adult children do not practice their faith or have no faith to practice. I have three children of my own who are raised in a religious home but live in a secular world. I, too, wonder and worry about their relationship with Jesus as they grow. When I have young boys and girls fighting in the sacristy over who gets to hold the incense during mass, I am convinced all over again that there is wisdom in the Church’s experience. They want to be a part of something that is holy and mysterious. Everyone else is giving them what they want. We give them what they need. Even when they may be grumpy about it in the moment, they will be grateful later. And they will show their gratitude by practicing their faith all the days of their life.