Sons and Daughters of the Light: A Pastoral Plan for Ministry with Young Adults

by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

(USCCB Publishing, 1996)

This document outlines the purpose, mission, and goals of young adult ministry, and suggestions from the United States bishops on effective strategies for evangelization.

Googling God: The Religious Landscape of People in their 20s and 30s

by Mike Hayes (Paulist Press, 2007)

This book takes a look at the two generations of young adults in the Church today (Gen Xers and Millinnials), and what is unique about ministering to them. Mike Hayes gives practical suggestions on how to minister to two young generations in the midst of the era of Google.

Seeds of Hope: Young Adults and the Catholic Church in the United States

by Tim Muldoon (Paulist Press, 2008)

Tim Muldoon looks at the state of the Church today, then considers five key areas of concern: theology, ecumenism, liturgy, spirituality, and moral authority. The book outlines ways that laity and clergy can respond to today's young adults in these areas. 

The Basic Guide to Young Adult Ministry

by Fr. John Cusick and Dr. Katherine DeVries (Orbis Press, 2001)

Using the "young adult ministry model" they have created in the Archdiocese of Chicago as a framework, Fr. Cusick and Dr. DeVries explain creative ways to get started and to maintain a Young Adult Ministry experience on the parish, regional, and diocesan level   

Young Adult Catholics: Religion

in the Culture of Choice

by Dean R.Hoge, William D. Dinges, Mary Johnson, and Juan L. Gonzalas, Jr.

(University of Notre Dame, 2001)

This sociological study takes a look at the trends, practices, needs, and concerns of young adult Catholics, practicing and non-practicing alike, in the United States today.

This is a great resource to have on hand.

Losing Your Religion, Finding Your Faith: Spirituality for Young Adults

by Fr. Brett C. Hoover (Paulist Press, 1998)

Losing one's religion is part of the growth process, says Fr. Hoover in this book, but the real challenge is helping young adults find their adult appreciation of faith.  Aimed primarily at young adults themselves, this book is good for ministry leaders to know how best to respond to young people as they struggle with Church.

Young Adult Catholics and

Their Future in Ministry

by Dean R. Hoge & Marti R. Jewell

(National Association of Lay Ministry, 2008)

Are young adults interested in a life of ministry (lay, vowed, or ordained) in the Catholic Church?  Numbers suggest not, but this study reveals that a good number of active young adults in ministry are or have seriously considered a vocation to Church leadership.

American Catholics Today: New Realities

of Their Faith and Their Church

by William V. D'Antonio, James D. Davidson, Dean R. Hoge, and Mary L. Gautier

(Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, 2007)

This book is the most recent volume in a series of sociological studies on Catholics in the United States.  This book gives data on adults of all generations, with revealing information about Gen Xers and the new Millennial Generation, and some conclusions on what this might mean for the Catholic Church in the future. 

God Moments: Why Faith Really Matters

for a New Generation

by Jeremy Langford (Orbis Books, 2001)

In this book, author Jeremy Langford is a young adult who shares what is truly great about his Catholic faith and inspires other young adult seekers and searchers to walk with him on his spiritual journey.  This is a great book from the perspective of a young adult trying to find relevant answers in his religious traditions.