Expectations of Young People towards Religious Education at the Secondary Education Level – Research Report

Abstract

Participation in Religious Education classes should supposedly facilitate the spiritual formation and development of young people’s personality, finding their own path to God, as well as understanding their purpose and meaning of life. Since spirituality is a significant factor in prevention of dependence and high-risk behaviours of adolescents, the decrease in the number of secondary education students who participate in Religious Education classes is most alarming. The purpose of this paper is to present the expectations of young people towards catechesis in terms of the curriculum, competences of the educators, and the working methods employed during the classes. The results of the survey carried out on a group of 70 secondary school graduates have revealed that young people are deeply interested in religion and spiritual growth. They have high expectations but are also full of questions and doubts. Therefore, they expect that catechists demonstrate sound knowledge and the ability to hold an open-minded discussion. This is, unfortunately, where Religious Education classes often fail them.