Grace Thompson
Catholicism has experienced a decline in converts over the years, with nearly 13% of Americans being former Catholics. However, there has been a recent surge in Catholic conversions, particularly among young adults worldwide. The number of adult baptisms in Austria, for example, increased by 85%, while other countries like Belgium, Canada, and Mongolia have also seen large increases. The COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to this increase, as people tend to become more religious during times of plague, as observed by Yale Professor Nicholas A. Christakis.
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What You'll Learn
Catholic convert rate in the US
Catholicism has experienced a decline in the number of converts in the US over the years. In 2008, the number of converts was rounded off to 150,000. The number stayed relatively stable in the early 2010s, with 150,000 to 172,000 new converts. However, a decrease was observed in 2007, which continued until 2016, the latest date for which reliable numbers are available. In 2018, the number of converts dropped to 30,000, a significant decline from the 150,000 new converts announced by the USCCB in 2005.
In 2015, it was reported that for every person who left the unaffiliated group and now identifies with a religious group, more than four people joined the ranks of the religious "nones." Among US adults, there were more than six former Catholics for every convert to Catholicism. Additionally, 13% of all Americans are former Catholics, while the current number of converts to Catholicism in the US who were raised in another religion or none at all is 6.8 million.
In 2024, certain dioceses in the US reported significant increases in the number of converts, with some dioceses reporting increases of 30%, 40%, 50%, and even more than 70%. For example, the Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas, saw an increase from 896 converts at Easter 2023 to 1,544 at Easter 2024, a 72% increase. This increase has been attributed to the area's skyrocketing population and the presence of young, energetic, and faithful priests.
In 2025, there were reports of a massive wave of young adults converting to Catholicism in the US. This trend was attributed to a desire for authenticity and a need for a moral order in a world that seems increasingly unmoored. The internet also played a role, with many young people discovering Catholicism through online resources and feeling a gravitational pull towards the faith.
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Young adult converts
While there is no clear data on the number of people converting to Catholicism each year, some sources suggest that the number of converts has been declining. However, there are reports of a recent surge in conversions among young adults, particularly in the United States, England, France, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Mongolia, Kosovo, and Sweden.
So, what is drawing young adults to the Catholic Church? One theory is that intelligent and engaging online presentations of the Catholic faith by individuals like Trent Horn, Dr. Scott Hahn, and Bishop Robert Barron have influenced many young people. These presentations offer thoughtful responses to the questions and concerns of today's youth, providing a sense of community, tradition, and spirituality that may be lacking in secular culture. Additionally, the beauty and grandeur of Holy Week celebrations in the Vatican, including those led by Pope St. John Paul II, may have played a role in prompting conversions.
For some young adults, the decision to convert to Catholicism may be influenced by their upbringing and personal experiences. One young adult shared their journey from being raised in the Mormon church to experiencing spiritual depression during their atheist phase. They found that Catholicism resolved inconsistencies they had encountered in Protestantism and provided access to the Eucharist and True Sacraments. Another young adult described how attending church initially served as an escape from the constant exposure to "woke politics" in their daily life, and over time, they developed a deeper connection to their faith.
The presence of a supportive Catholic community can also play a significant role in easing the transition for young converts. Having a "home base" of Catholic friends or family can provide a sense of security and help them navigate the social aspects of the religion. However, it is important to acknowledge that Catholic churches are not always known for their highly involved or abundant social opportunities.
While the Catholic Church appears to be gaining popularity among young adults, it is important to note that there is also a significant number of individuals leaving the Church each year, contributing to net losses due to religious switching.
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Catholic conversion programs
The Catholic Church runs conversion programs for adults known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The program is designed to help non-baptized and baptized adults enter the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion. It is a process of conversion that involves studying the Gospel, professing faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receiving the sacraments. The RCIA follows the ancient practices of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the standard way for adults to prepare for baptism.
The Process
The RCIA process can be divided into several stages, each marked by study, prayer, and rites at Mass. Before beginning the RCIA process, individuals usually have some knowledge of Jesus Christ and have considered their relationship with him and the Catholic Church. This period is known as the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate, and it can vary in length depending on the individual's journey.
After this initial period, the person, known as an "inquirer," may decide to seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. They stand amidst the parish community and express their desire to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church. The parish assembly affirms this desire, and the inquirer becomes a "catechumen."
The period of the catechumenate can last several years or a shorter time, depending on the individual's faith journey and how they are led by God. During this time, catechumens undergo spiritual formation and participate in rites that help them understand and experience the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church.
Full Communion
For baptized Christians who are not Roman Catholics, the process is slightly different. These individuals make a profession of faith but are not baptized again. They are known as "candidates," and they come into "full communion" with the Catholic Church.
Resources
There are various resources available for those interested in converting to Catholicism. The Basilica of Saint Mary, for example, provides necessary reading materials such as the Bible, Catechism of the Catholic Church, and articles. They also recommend having a spiritual father, usually a priest, to guide and counsel you throughout the process. Additionally, online programs like "My Catholic Life!" offer free RCIA resources with 24 easy-to-read lessons that can be accessed through their web-based app.
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Catholic retention rate
While the Catholic Church has been experiencing a decline in converts, it has the highest retention rate of any denomination in England and Wales. A 2016 study titled "Contemporary Catholicism in England and Wales" revealed that 6.2 million people were raised Catholic, but only 3.8 million English and Welsh adults identify as Catholic. This means that 55.8% of those raised in the Catholic Church continue to identify as such.
In the United States, nearly a third of all adults (31.7%) were raised Catholic, and most continue to identify as Catholics today. However, nearly 13% of all Americans are former Catholics, resulting in a net loss for the Catholic Church due to religious switching.
The Catholic Church in America has been described as self-congratulatory, with bishops and priests praising their "vibrant" dioceses and "welcoming" parishes despite the declining numbers. While there is no definitive data on the retention rate of new converts, some have speculated that the "leave rate" is high due to a lack of community and social expectations.
Despite the overall decline in religious affiliation, the Catholic Church has demonstrated resilience with its strong retention rate. Dioceses in the United States have reported increases in converts, with the Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas, experiencing a 72% rise from 2023 to 2024.
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Catholic converts vs. defectors
While it is difficult to find exact numbers for Catholic converts and defectors, it is clear that the Catholic Church has been experiencing a decline in membership in recent years. This is due to a combination of factors, including people leaving the Church and a decrease in the number of conversions.
Catholic Converts
According to a 2015 study, 9.2% of US adults were raised with no religious affiliation, but nearly half of them now identify with a religion. In contrast, 31.7% of US adults were raised Catholic, and most continue to identify as such. However, there are far fewer converts to Catholicism, with only 2% of US adults converting.
The Catholic Church has seen an increase in conversions in certain dioceses and areas. For example, the Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas, reported a 72% increase in converts from 2023 to 2024. Hillsdale College, a nondenominational Christian school in Michigan with a large Catholic population, has also been a powerhouse for conversions, with 22 students and a recent graduate joining the Catholic Church in 2024.
On a global scale, there has been a growing number of adult converts to Catholicism, particularly young adults. Countries like Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, England, Kosovo, Mongolia, and Sweden have all experienced an increase in Catholic conversions. Some attribute this surge in conversions to the COVID-19 pandemic, as people tend to become more religious during times of crisis.
Catholic Defectors
While the exact number of Catholic defectors is unknown, it is estimated that about 13% of Americans are former Catholics, amounting to about 41.3 million people. Of those who leave the Catholic Church, approximately 15.9 million join Protestant churches, while others become religiously unaffiliated or identify with other religions.
In summary, while the Catholic Church experiences both conversions and defections, the number of people leaving the Church exceeds the number of new converts. This has resulted in an overall decline in membership, which the Church acknowledges and seeks to address through evangelization efforts and by highlighting the welcoming nature of parishes.
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Frequently asked questions
There were 28 conversions at St. Anthony's Church in Hillsdale, Michigan, during the 2024 Easter Vigil Mass. The Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas, reported 1,544 converts at Easter 2024, a 72% increase from the previous year.
It is difficult to find exact numbers, but there are estimates. In 1999, there were over 172,000 converts, and numbers stayed relatively stable in the early 2000s at around 150,000. In 2016, there were 100,000 converts, and in 2018, there were 30,000.
There are many reasons for conversion. Some people are drawn to the beauty and transcendence of Catholic rituals and history. Others find intelligent and compelling online presentations of the Catholic faith. The COVID pandemic may also have contributed to a surge in conversions, as people sought religion during times of plague.
