590 Adults Flock to Catholic Church This Easter as Britains Quiet Revival Surges

Why Are Record Numbers of Adults Joining the Catholic Church This Easter?

A groundbreaking national survey is now underway to understand why thousands of adults are choosing to enter the Catholic Church across England, Scotland, and Wales this Easter.

For the first time ever, every catechumen and candidate taking part in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) or OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) programme is being invited to complete a nationwide questionnaire.

The survey was developed by academics from three universities: St Mary's University Twickenham, Bishop Grosseteste University Lincoln, and York St John University. It comprises roughly 40 questions covering gender, ethnic background, broader values, liturgical preferences, and even personality types.

Professor Francis Davis of St Mary's University, who leads the project, pointed to surging numbers across the country.

Many dioceses have reported record numbers of catechumens this year: there are 590 in Southwark for instance.

The Archdiocese of Southwark alone is welcoming over 590 adults this Easter, the highest number since 2000 (excluding 2011 when the Ordinariate was established). Of those 590, 57% are women and 43% are men, with half aged 35 and under. Converts are coming from 112 parishes, up from 97 in 2025.

Davis referenced the Bible Society's 2025 Quiet Revival report, which documented a 50% increase in church attendance over the past six years.

No one yet has taken the time nationally to say every Easter thousands of people join the Church.

The survey will also be offered in Ireland. Researchers are keen to explore regional variations, including whether urban growth patterns are mirrored in rural areas, suburbs, and small towns.

First Ever National Study Reveals Who Is Becoming Catholic and Why

A new video from the Southwark Archdiocese features powerful conversion stories. Jade described having a vision of Jesus in her room that led her to seek baptism. Ben, who had rejected his Catholic baptism, found himself weeping inside churches during a trip to Rome and was confirmed at St Peter's Basilica. Emma, an agnostic artist, felt a calling after painting Jesus for a friend. Zach, formerly non denominational, realized after COVID that he could not practice faith alone.

I couldn't do it by myself any more. I couldn't be my own Pope.

Zach, a new Catholic convert

Professor Davis emphasized the survey's academic rigour, stating it is "evidence based and does not take a particular theological stance." The findings will be shared diocese by diocese and could help parishes tailor their approach to welcoming future converts.

The Crusader's Opinion

While the secular media obsesses over decline narratives, the reality on the ground tells a completely different story. Record numbers of adults are walking into churches across Britain and asking to be baptized. These are not cultural Christians ticking a census box. These are people who had visions of Christ, who wept at the beauty of sacred architecture, who realized after years of going it alone that they need the Body of Christ. The Quiet Revival is real, and it is growing. The gates of hell shall not prevail.

Take Action

• If you are considering joining the Catholic Church, find your nearest RCIA programme and sign up before Easter. Visit www.cbcew.org.uk to find a parish near you.
• Take the national RCIA survey if you are a catechumen or candidate: tinyurl.com/RCIA26
• Share this story with someone you know who has been curious about the Christian faith. A personal invitation is the most powerful form of evangelisation.
• Support ministries that welcome new believers. Donate to www.TheShepherdsShield.org to help fund Christian outreach and support for persecuted believers worldwide.
• Pray for all 590+ catechumens in Southwark and the thousands more across England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland entering the Church this Easter.