A new nationwide study suggests a surprising trend in the life of the Church in the United States: young adult Catholics are now among the most engaged members of the faithful, reversing patterns seen more than two decades ago, according to a recent survey commissioned by Leadership Roundtable.
The polling project, conducted in July, examined the attitudes and practices of U.S. adults who identify as Catholic, aiming to assess both progress and ongoing challenges since the clergy sexual abuse crisis came to national attention in 2002. Researchers divided respondents into three categories—Faithful, Occasional, and Disengaged—based on how often they attend Mass, with a total of more than 3,000 participants.
Despite noting that the Catholic population in the U.S. has decreased from 65 million to 50 million since 2002 and that overall engagement is “at an all-time low,” the survey nonetheless identified signs of renewed vitality, especially among younger Catholics, according to Catholic News Agency.
The most notable shift appears in Mass attendance patterns. The study found that adults aged 18–29 are now the age group most likely to attend Mass regularly and participate in parish life. “Eighty-four percent” of young adults reported active involvement in their parishes, including participation in Eucharistic adoration, confession, and social events, according to the report. Two-thirds of young respondents (65%) said they attend Mass at least monthly—significantly higher than adults aged 45–64 (43%) and those over 65 (42%).
This marks a dramatic reversal from Leadership Roundtable’s 2003 findings, when Mass attendance increased with age and “83% of adults 45–64 and 85% of those over 65 attended monthly,” according to the organization’s earlier survey.
The report also highlights trends in trust and confidence. Catholics expressed more confidence in their local parish staff and clergy than in the institutional Church as a whole. Nearly “80% of respondents said they trust parish staff and volunteers to protect children,” and “77% said they trust their pastor and other clergy,” according to the survey.
However, trust in bishops remains mixed. Only “49% said they think their bishops involve the laity in solving Church issues,” and fewer—“47%”—believe bishops demonstrate financial transparency. A notable “45% worry that their donations will go to paying legal fees and abuse settlements,” according to the findings.
Financial transparency emerged as one of the most important priorities for Catholics across every age group. “Building a transparent and accountable leadership culture” ranked among the top concerns for 77% of respondents, with 45% calling it “extremely important,” according to the survey data.
Giving patterns also reflect these concerns. Among Catholics who donate regularly, 61% said they would increase their giving if they perceived greater financial openness in their parishes, while “72% said they would give less if there was a scandal in their parish or diocese,” according to the report. Even among those who attend Mass only occasionally, 58% still donate at least once a year. Of those who do not give, “39% cited a lack of financial transparency” as the primary reason.
The survey also touched on Catholic education. Among respondents whose parishes operate a school, only “53% said they think the school is thriving,” the lowest confidence level among all youth-formation activities surveyed.
Leadership Roundtable, the organization behind the study, describes itself as a group of clergy, laity, and religious working to promote “best practices and accountability” in Church leadership, management, and communication—including expanding the role of lay expertise.
While the report acknowledges continued concerns about trust and transparency, its findings also suggest new energy among younger Catholics—a hopeful sign for the Church’s future as it continues to rebuild after the wounds of the past.
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