Surge in Catholicism Among Young Men
A rise in Catholicism among Gen Z is being driven by young men searching for answers to feelings of loneliness, cultural disconnection, and a desire for purpose. A recent Harvard survey indicates that the number of self-identified Catholic Gen Zers grew by 6% from 2022 to 2023. This trend has been observed by Michael Tid, the principal of Delburton School, a Benedictine Catholic institution in Morristown, New Jersey.
“We present students with the opportunity to understand what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. We suggest but do not impose beliefs, and the approach appears to resonate with them,” Tid shared during a recent interview.
He noted that, in recent years, they have welcomed students into the church—some who are being baptized for the first time or receiving their sacraments. The experience students have there, he believes, emphasizes the importance of being a man of faith in today’s society; it offers a compelling answer to their questions about identity and belief.
Father Tid observed that students often engage with their faith on a daily basis, whether they come from practicing Catholic families or not. In this environment, students are introduced to the meaning of being a Catholic Christian through both classroom learning and engagement in the world.
He described the school’s retreat as transformative for students, fostering a sense of community through shared worship in Mass and morning prayers that connect all students.
This sense of community is especially significant in light of recent findings showing that many young American men feel extremely isolated. According to Gallup, about one in four individuals under 35 reported feelings of loneliness on the previous day.
Recently, newly elected Pope Leo XIV reached out to young people in a video message from Chicago, encouraging them to embrace God’s love as a source of healing and hope. He acknowledged that many struggle with feelings of depression and sadness.
Father Tid encouraged young men to take the initiative in building relationships, sharing experiences, and seeking answers to their life questions. He believes that one of the benefits of attending a Catholic school is the deep connections formed among students, particularly through classes, athletic teams, and extracurricular activities, which allow for exploration of significant questions about life and faith.
