Sarah Mitchell
Millennial Catholics are striving for an inclusive, engaged, and forward-looking Church. They are pushing to understand and implement Catholic Social Teaching, rather than focusing on outdated theology. This is reflected in the resurgence of Catholicism among young adults, with dioceses across the U.S. reporting dramatic increases in adult conversions. Millennial Catholics are not just turning to religion out of habit, but are actively engaging in debates, studying theology, and staying abreast of centuries of Catholic doctrine on the internet. This engagement with their faith is reflected in the work of Carlo Acutis, a devout Catholic who will become the first millennial saint. Acutis created websites with a spiritual focus, including a widely praised database of miracles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Discovery Channel | The internet is a key source of information for millennials and Gen Z who are converting to Catholicism. |
| Quest for Depth | Young adults seek depth, order, and truth in a time of moral and spiritual uncertainty. |
| Intellectual Rigor | The appeal of Catholicism lies in its intellectual and spiritual rigor, providing a moral order and meaning. |
| Counterintuitive Renewal | The increase in conversions is not due to cultural heritage but a personal choice, marking a departure from institutional religion. |
| Theological Study | Converts embrace theological study, early Church Fathers, and traditions such as praying the rosary and attending Latin Mass. |
| Confidence and Purpose | Catholicism provides a sense of confidence, purpose, and virtue-sharing fellowship, offering stability in unstable times. |
| Impact of COVID-19 | The pandemic played a role in this phenomenon, with young adults feeling isolated and seeking spiritual connection. |
| Inclusive Vision | Millennial Catholics strive for an inclusive, engaged, and forward-thinking Church, moving away from ultra-conservative interpretations. |
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What You'll Learn
Millennial Catholics discovering the Church online
In 2025, many young adults in their 20s and 30s are converting to Catholicism at remarkable rates. This is surprising, as this generation has often been portrayed as secular or disaffiliated from institutional religion. However, this group is proving to be spiritually curious, embracing Catholicism not just as a religion but as a way of life that provides depth, order, and truth in an unstable time.
The internet has played a significant role in this phenomenon. While historically, converts may have been influenced by family, friends, or campus ministries, millennials are now discovering the Church online. They are engaging in theological debates, studying doctrine, and seeking intellectual and spiritual rigour. The COVID-19 pandemic, which left many feeling isolated, may have also contributed to this religious resurgence.
One example of this is Adrian Lawson, a 30-year-old software developer from Southern California. After struggling with anxiety and depression, he turned to religion for answers. He was initially drawn to evangelical churches, but a YouTube debate between a Catholic and a Protestant sparked his interest in Catholicism. Cameron Bertuzzi, a former YouTube Protestant content creator who converted to Catholicism in 2023, has also influenced thousands of young people.
Converts often embrace orthodox Catholic practices such as praying the rosary, attending Latin Mass, and studying the early Church Fathers. They seek a more disciplined and consistent spiritual experience, which they may not find in "lax" or casual Protestant churches. The sense of community and virtue-sharing fellowship within the Catholic Church appeals to many, providing confidence and a sense of purpose.
However, it is important to note that not all Millennial Catholics adhere to traditionalist or ultra-conservative interpretations of Catholicism. Many strive for an inclusive, engaged, and forward-thinking Church. They embrace the rich tradition of the Church while also valuing diversity and the social teachings of Catholicism. It is a complex and diverse generation that is engaging with their faith in a variety of ways, both online and offline.
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A quest for depth, order, and truth
In an era of moral and spiritual uncertainty, many millennials are turning to Catholicism in their quest for depth, order, and truth. This unexpected revival is not driven by cultural heritage but by a desire for spiritual rigour and intellectual stimulation. Young adults in their 20s and 30s are embracing Catholicism at remarkable rates, with dioceses across the United States reporting significant increases in adult conversions. This trend defies the assumptions often made about millennials and Generation Z, who are often portrayed as secular or disaffiliated from institutional religion.
The internet has played a pivotal role in this phenomenon. Millennials and Gen Zers are leveraging the wealth of information available online to engage in theological studies, explore centuries of Catholic doctrine, and follow debates between religious figures. This contrasts with the traditional path to conversion, which typically involved learning about Catholicism through family, friends, or campus ministries. Now, platforms like YouTube are becoming catalysts for religious exploration, with influential content creators like Cameron Bertuzzi sharing their own journeys to Catholicism and inspiring thousands of followers to embark on their own spiritual quests.
For many millennials, Catholicism offers a sense of stability and purpose in an uncertain world. Converts often view Catholicism as more than just a religion; it becomes a way of life that provides structure and meaning. They embrace traditional practices such as praying the rosary and attending Latin Mass, seeking a deeper connection with God and a sense of virtue. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a pivotal role in this religious resurgence, as the resulting feelings of isolation and uncertainty prompted young adults to seek spiritual solace and community within the Catholic Church.
However, it's important to note that not all Catholic millennials subscribe to a traditionalist or conservative interpretation of Catholicism. Many are striving for an inclusive, engaged, and forward-thinking Church. They embrace the rich traditions of the faith while also advocating for progress and unconditional love, pushing back against ultra-conservative movements within the youth that promote narrow interpretations of Catholic doctrine. This diversity of thought within the Catholic millennial community underscores the multifaceted nature of their spiritual journey and their desire for depth, order, and truth.
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Millennial converts embracing orthodoxy
In recent years, there has been a reported increase in young men, particularly those from Generation Z, turning towards the Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Christianity. This shift has been attributed to a desire for rootedness, structure, and tradition in a chaotic and ever-changing world. The unchanging and rigid traditions of Orthodoxy, with its frequent confessions, prescribed prayers, fasting, and long worship services, offer a sense of stability and continuity that appeals to many young people.
One notable example of this trend is the increase in converts to Orthodoxy in 2022, with a 78% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels. While some have questioned the extent of this movement, with a decline in overall Orthodox adherents in the United States from 2010 to 2020, the “massive uptick" in conversions cannot be ignored. Father Josiah Trenham, a priest in California, and a catechist in his church have attributed this trend to the "call to adventure" that Orthodoxy provides, with its traditional practices that some describe as "masculine."
The appeal of Orthodoxy for millennials and Gen Zers may also lie in its contrast to the perceived superficiality of some Protestant contexts. Short worship services, TED Talk-like sermons, and a version of Christianity that demands little in terms of daily habits and disciplines may leave some feeling disillusioned. On the other hand, the depth and seriousness of Orthodox practices and beliefs offer a more rigorous and disciplined approach to faith that resonates with younger generations.
Additionally, the rise in millennial and Gen Z interest in Catholicism and Orthodoxy could be filling a void left by modern society. As Kayla Bartsch, a Yale alumna who converted from Lutheranism to Catholicism in 2021, suggests, Catholicism can represent a "beacon of Western civilization" or a "living remnant of a more beautiful past." The traditional and communal aspects of these religions may be particularly attractive to those seeking a sense of connection and continuity.
While the extent of the movement towards Eastern Orthodoxy and Catholicism among millennials and Gen Zers may be debated, it is clear that these religions offer something that resonates with younger generations. The desire for structure, tradition, and a sense of community in an ever-changing world may be leading many young people to explore and embrace the unchanging and rigorous traditions of these faiths.
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Millennial Catholics seeking inclusive, forward-looking communities
In recent years, there has been a notable resurgence of Catholicism among young adults, with many Millennials and Gen Zers converting to the religion. This trend defies assumptions that these generations are disaffiliated or secular, as they are actively seeking out spiritual and intellectual rigour in Catholicism. This quest for depth, order, and truth is often driven by a discontent with "lax" or casual Protestant churches or a lack of theological consistency.
For Millennial Catholics seeking inclusive, forward-looking communities, the internet has become a valuable resource. Online, they can find like-minded individuals who share their desire for a progressive and engaged Catholic community. Websites like Terrene Globe and Pray Tell Blog offer insights into the experiences and perspectives of Catholic Millennials, challenging the notion that they are all traditionalists or ultra-conservatives.
On these websites and others, Millennial Catholics can find thoughtful discussions on topics such as Catholic Social Teaching, diversity within the Church, and the importance of spiritual discipline. They can also learn about influential figures like Cameron Bertuzzi, a former YouTube content creator whose conversion to Catholicism has inspired thousands.
Additionally, Millennial Catholics can connect with each other through social media platforms and online forums, creating their own inclusive communities. These digital spaces allow them to share their thoughts on worship, theology, and the direction they believe the Church should take. By engaging with a diverse range of voices and perspectives, they can contribute to a more inclusive and forward-thinking Catholic dialogue.
While the internet has played a significant role in this religious trend, it is not the only factor. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, caused feelings of isolation and spiritual searching among young adults. Nonetheless, the online availability of theological texts, debates, and doctrine has empowered Millennials and Gen Zers to make informed decisions about their faith, attracting them to the richness and depth of Catholicism.
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Millennial Catholics and the Liturgy Wars
The Catholic Church is experiencing a surge in interest from millennials and Gen Z, with dioceses across the US reporting dramatic increases in adult conversions. This unexpected revival goes against the common assumptions about these age groups, who are often portrayed as secular or disaffiliated from institutional religion. However, many young adults are turning to Catholicism, not out of habit, but as a result of their own research and spiritual exploration. The internet has played a significant role in this trend, with online debates, theology, and centuries of Catholic doctrine just a click away.
For some, the modern worship experience in Protestant churches felt more like a concert or community gathering than a profound spiritual encounter. They sought the intellectual and spiritual rigour that Catholicism offers. This quest for depth, order, and truth is particularly appealing to millennials and Gen Z, who are navigating a time of moral and spiritual uncertainty. The structure and traditions of Catholicism provide a sense of stability and meaning that many young people crave.
Among these new believers, there is a tendency to embrace orthodox practices, such as praying the rosary, attending Latin Mass, and studying the early Church Fathers. Catholicism, for them, is more than just a religion; it is a way of life that offers confidence, purpose, and a sense of virtue-sharing fellowship. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a pivotal role in this religious shift, as the resulting isolation and loneliness prompted young adults to seek community and spiritual connection.
However, within the millennial Catholic community, there are diverse perspectives and factions. While some embrace traditionalism and call for a return to pre-Vatican II Latin Mass, others advocate for an inclusive, forward-thinking Church. This small but vocal group of ultra-conservative millennials has been criticised for their narrow understanding of Catholic faith and their focus on rigid traditions. They have been accused of exalting cardinals who uphold outdated theology and rejecting the work of those seeking to engage with the LGBT community.
The "Liturgy Wars" encapsulate this tension between tradition and progress within millennial Catholicism. While some millennials are attracted to the rich traditions of the Church, others, like the author of the Pray Tell blog, feel confused by their peers' attraction to pre-Vatican II Latin Mass. They emphasise the importance of diversity and a modern interpretation of the Catholic faith. This diversity of thought and practice within the millennial Catholic community underscores the complexity of religious identity and expression among young adults today.
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Frequently asked questions
Millennials are increasingly converting to Catholicism in search of depth, order, and truth in a time many call morally and spiritually adrift. Many new believers cite discontent with "lax" or casual Protestant churches, a lack of theological consistency, and spiritual discipline. The intellectual and spiritual rigor of Catholicism is part of its appeal to millennials. The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role in this religious shift, with young adults feeling isolated and alone during lockdowns.
Unlike previous generations, millennials are turning to the internet to discover Catholicism. They are engaging with debates, studying theology, and learning about centuries of Catholic doctrine online. YouTube debates between Catholics and Protestants, as well as Catholic content creators, have influenced many millennials' conversions.
Millennial Catholics are often portrayed as either disaffiliated or seeking a traditionalist, orthodox interpretation of Catholicism. However, the reality is more nuanced. Some millennial Catholics embrace the rich tradition of the Church but do not feel attracted to pre-Vatican II Latin Mass. Others are pushing for an inclusive, engaged, and forward-looking Church, striving to understand and implement Catholic Social Teaching. Millennial Catholics, like their non-Catholic peers, tend to value diversity and are not limited by rigid, narrow interpretations of the faith.
