Several young men told The Washington Post that apart from religion and spirituality, meeting a girl at church is a ‘huge selling point’
A growing movement of Catholic influencers and young professionals is driving a rise in church attendance across major US cities.
What has changed?
In New York’s Greenwich Village, the Sunday Mass at St. Joseph’s Church has become a cultural hub, with all 850 seats regularly filled. Pastor Boniface Endorf reports a 20% rise in attendance over the past six months.
Post-service socials, once attended by about 60 people, now draw nearly 200, reflecting the church’s growing social appeal.
Faith and dating
For many young men, church is becoming more than worship. Several told The Washington Post that meeting a potential partner is a “huge selling point.” Women are also active, with one attendee starting a “Holy Girl Walk” in Central Park that combines prayer and community walking.
The trend is not limited to the US. Baptisms among 18- to 25-year-olds have quadrupled in France, with similar growth in Belgium, Ireland, and London, signaling a broader revival among Gen Z.