ABSTRACT
Preparation for the first sacraments is the main reason many Italian children and adolescents frequent local religious settings, which are mostly Catholic structures in Italy. Looking at the phenomenon from the point of view of religious structures, the Church and grassroots religious settings are still able to involve children and adolescents in the educational process and in the activities of socialization. In Italy, the commonplace idea is one of inalterable religious positions over time, based on experiences and convictions developed during the years of intense religious socialization. The reality is completely different, concerning both the relationship individuals have with religious faith and their behaviour towards the Church and the religious group they belong to. However, basic religious stability can also be a result of a situation seldom exposed either to positive religious experiences or to crises and reconsiderations of faith.
