Building a community of faith: a social justice approach to developing identity in adolescents

Currently, there is a lack of research into educational methods which may help religious youth to develop or maintain religious identities. The aim of this case study was to use and evaluate a social justice program, JusticeWalking, within a parish setting to see if that program increases religious participation and religious identity among adolescents. Six high-school age participants from one large, Catholic parish in western Michigan participated in the program. This study used qualitative methods to ascertain any impacts of the program, including discourse analysis of written responses and in-depth interviews. Responses seemed to indicate that participants developed stronger Catholic identity, had greater participation in church events and services, and had an increased understanding and application of social justice. Implications of this study include new teaching and retention methods for the Catholic Church as well as developing a greater body of research on religious identity development.