Hispanics in the US are known for their strong connection to religion, with most identifying as Catholic.

In our Hispanic to Latinx project, we explored the meaning of Hispanics’ four key cultural values – family, faith, food and music. This study included a survey of Hispanics aged 13 to 49 as well as in-depth interviews. Here’s what we learned about how they feel about religion:

This generation of Hispanics is less religious than their parents and grandparents. In our survey, 80% of Hispanics 13 to 49 describe their parents and grandparents as “very or fairly religious.” In contrast, just 50% think of themselves in that way.

Religion remains central to family life, however. Even though they’re not as connected to religion as their predecessors, most Hispanics of this generation (69%) plan to pass their religious faith along to their children. But what’s getting passed on is a bit different. Instead of forcing kids into faith, as many feel their parents did to them, young Hispanics see religion as a source of family togetherness and celebration. In fact, one-third of them get together at least monthly to celebrate religious events that aren’t holidays.

They’re more focused on faith and spirituality than religious doctrine. About 7 in 10 Hispanics surveyed consider themselves more spiritual than religious. This shift away from religion is most prominent among those born in the US and those in the Catholic faith.

And they continue to believe in the power of miracles and prayer. Even if they feel less religious in the traditional sense, this generation of Hispanics doesn’t want to take any chances in protecting their families. Three-quarters believe in miracles and half pray regularly. Even among those who say they aren’t religious, 6 in 10 believe in miracles and a quarter pray regularly.