Young Men Turn to Catholicism Amidst Loneliness
A noticeable rise in Catholicism among young men, particularly from Gen Z, seems to stem from a search for connection, meaning, and purpose amidst societal changes and feelings of isolation.
A recent survey from Harvard indicated a 6% increase in the number of individuals identifying as Catholic between 2022 and 2023. Michael Tidd, principal of Delburton School—a Benedictine Catholic institution located in Morristown, New Jersey—has observed this trend firsthand.
“We provide experiences that help students understand what it means to follow Jesus Christ. We offer, rather than impose, and it resonates well with them,” Tidd shared on “Fox & Friends” recently.
He mentioned that in recent years, they have welcomed many students into the church. These include those being baptized for the first time and others receiving all their sacraments, emphasizing how valuable this experience has been for them—especially for young men seeking a strong identity within a faith context. He believes that both Delburton School and the Catholic Church offer relevant answers to these young men’s yearning for direction.
According to Father Tidd, he’s seen students actively engage with these discussions every day. The bodies of students at Delburton come from different backgrounds—some from practicing Catholic families, while others don’t have a faith tradition. Yet, they are all encouraged to explore what it means to be a Catholic Christian, both in theology classrooms and beyond.
Father Tidd described school retreats as transformative for students, and he highlighted the importance of shared experiences like Mass and morning prayers, which foster unity among the students.
In light of recent findings from a Gallup poll, which indicated that young men in America are among the loneliest people in the West, seeks for a sense of community have become crucial. The data revealed that one in four individuals under the age of 35 experienced loneliness just the day before.
In a recent video message directed at young Americans from his hometown of Chicago, Pope Leo XIV extended words of encouragement. He addressed the struggles many face, saying, “People may experience depression and sadness, but they can find healing in God’s love and hope.”
Father Tidd encourages young men dealing with loneliness to actively seek connections, share experiences, and engage in discussions about their dreams and aspirations. “One of the advantages of attending a Catholic school is the chance for students to form those deep bonds. Whether through classes, sports, or other activities, they can explore profound questions together,” he concluded.
