My name is Michael Rota. I’m a Professor of Philosophy at the University of St. Thomas and a Catholic husband and father of six wonderful children. Together with an amazing colleague, Dr. Stephen Bullivant, I’m writing a book for Ignatius Press on what Catholic parents can do to more effectively share a life of discipleship with their children. Drawing on both rigorous social science and the lived experience of faithful Catholics, Stephen and I will explain what is known about why many of those raised Catholic fall away as they move into adulthood, what factors make it more likely that a cradle Catholic will continue to practice the Faith as an adult, and, most importantly, what parents and parishes can do to hand on the Faith more effectively. The book will greatly expand on the basic themes in this article which Stephen and I wrote last summer. (Here's a link to a podcast interview discussing the article.)

Data from the General Social Survey (the gold standard for American social statistics) show that in 1973, only about 34% of all those raised Catholic were still going to Mass every week as adults. By 2002, the figure had fallen to 20%. In 2022 and again in 2024, it was 11% -- about 9 out of every 10 cradle Catholics are falling away from a life of committed discipleship. This is a major problem for our Church. But there is actually some good news: a lot is now known about what factors make it more likely that children raised Catholic will internalize their parents' faith and make it their own, even in the increasingly secular wider culture.

Preaching in the 4th century, St. John Chrysostom said this: “Let everything take second place to our care of our children, our bringing them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Homily 21 on Ephesians). That's what this book is about. I’m asking for your financial support so I can devote more of my time this summer to research, interviewing ministry leaders, and writing. No gift is too small. Also, I humbly ask that you would consider sharing this funding campaign with friends. Thank you and may God bless you!

Here's a link to a Youtube video version of this project description.