[Alex Murphy]

A growing minority of self-identified Catholic adults haven't made their first reconciliation, received their First Communion or been confirmed, according to research from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University....Still, the number of Catholics in the U.S. has remained stable because of the immigration of Latinos. The U.S. has 69.1 million Catholics, about 23 percent of the population.

[Ann Archy]

To any Catholic Freeper Parents who have NOT given their children the GIFT of the SACRAMENTS and Mass EVERY Sunday......DO IT NOW!!! Their ETERNAL SOULS...and YOURS DEPEND ON IT! The future of our country depends on it!!

[Biggirl]

Expect the RCIA programs around the country in the years ahead to get a little busier. Just this Easter, 9 came into the Church.

[Salvation]

The only Sacrament that I have not posted in this series is the Sacrament of Marriage. Here are the links for all to peruse.

Beginning Catholic: Catholic Sacraments: Vehicles of Grace [Ecumenical]
Beginning Catholic: The Sacrament of Baptism: Gateway to New Life [Ecumenical]
Beginning Catholic: The Sacrament of Confirmation: Grace for Fullness of Faith and Life [Ecumenical]
Beginning Catholic: The Eucharist: In the Presence of the Lord Himself [Ecumenical]
Beginning Catholic: Receiving the Lord in Holy Communion [Ecumenical]

Beginning Catholic: The Sacrament of Reconciliation: Rising Again to New Life [Ecumenical]
Beginning Catholic: The Anointing of the Sick: Comfort and Healing [Ecumenical]
Beginning Catholic: The Sacrament of Holy Orders: Priests of the New Sacrifice [Ecumenical]

[Dajjal]

Here's the actual report:

http://cara.georgetown.edu/sacraments.html
Sacraments Today: Belief and Practice among US. Catholics

[Coleus]

Fewer receive sacraments >>>

kind of reminds me of the protestant and evangelical denominations that take advantage of only 2 of the 7 sacraments. It’s a shame.

[murphE]

[Desdemona]

Our actual catechesis education needs to be beefed up quite a bit, particularly in the teenage years. And I really believe that Confirmation should be a years long process where Scripture, Catechism, and Tradition are thoroughly taught along with Church history and not just service, but attending major events like priesthood ordination. Nothing explains or demonstrates Apostolic Succession like watching it happen. People will argue with me over the graces received, but when the preparation is so weak it means nothing.