Adult converts to Catholicism, which represents 1.5% of the U.S. population, practice their religion at higher rates than “cradle Catholics,” those who were raised in the faith since childhood. This is according to a recent Pew Research analysis of surveys conducted earlier this year.
The analysis examined four key indicators of Catholic practice: daily prayer, Mass attendance, receiving Communion at Mass, and confession.
Adult converts were slightly more likely than cradle Catholics to pray daily, 56% to 51%, respectively. More than a third (38%) of converts reported attending Mass weekly, with slightly more than a quarter (28%) of cradle Catholics doing the same. While at Mass, Catholic converts are much more likely to receive communion (58%) than cradle Catholics (34%).
Rates of attending confession at least yearly are lower than for other practices for both converts (29%) and those who grew up Catholic (23%).
The survey also analyzed reasons Catholics gave for converting to the faith as adults, finding that almost half (49%) did so for their spouse or to get married in the church. Other reasons given for converting included coming to believe in the Church’s teachings (13%), feeling called or finding the Church spiritually fulfilling (12%), and the influence of family or friends (12%).
Among all Catholics, “having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ” was identified as the most essential part of what “being Catholic” means for them, with 69% identifying it as a core component of the faith.
The analysis examined other aspects of U.S. Catholicism, including views on parish life, participation in the church among diverse ethnic and racialized groups, and the characteristics of those who leave the faith. More information on the study can be found here.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Senior Editor at Good Faith Media.
