This Easter, dioceses and archdioceses across the nation welcomed thousands of people into the Church, with some noting elevated numbers of conversions compared with recent years. The growth of people joining the Catholic Church is widespread, spanning across dioceses of all sizes and regions. Dioceses welcomed both catechumens (unbaptized people preparing for full initiation into the Church) and candidates (those already baptized who are entering into full communion through confirmation). The numbers are beginning to align more with pre-pandemic numbers after a decrease in conversions around the COVID-19 pandemic.
Based on a survey completed before Easter by the National Catholic Register, most dioceses and archdioceses expected to see increases in those entering the Church in 2026 compared with last year. Of the 71 U.S. dioceses in the survey, only five expected drops this year.
On average, American dioceses had 38% more people joining the Church in 2026 compared with 2025, according to an analysis of data by Hallow. The four largest dioceses in the United States that witnessed significant increases were the Archdiocese of Los Angeles (139% increase), the Diocese of Phoenix (23%), the Archdiocese of New York (36%), and the Archdiocese of Chicago (52%).
More details of the survey’s findings can be found here via EWTN News.