Record Easter Attendance: Surge of New Members Expected at Catholic Churches, Including Chicago

HINSDALE, Ill. (WLS) — St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Parish is gearing up to welcome 47 new members into its congregation, a significant rise from the 21 individuals who joined around this time last year.

The parish is now delving into the reasons behind this notable increase in membership.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

A large group of individuals, either converting to Catholicism or renewing their commitment to the faith, is eagerly anticipating their formal induction in Hinsdale.

This year, St. Isaac Jogues Church has observed a remarkable growth of over 124% compared to 2025 figures.

“We haven’t seen numbers like this in years,” remarked Father Burke Masters, highlighting the extraordinary turnout.

Jaden Ternand, 16, says his journey began with a search for truth.

“I was more committed to finding the truth,” Ternand said. “And I heard, you know, to seek truth is to seek love and to seek love is to seek God. Right? And that’s what it was.”

Christina Mehta, converting from another Christian denomination, says it’s about finding a deeper connection.

“I think that everyone is feeling more connected by their phones maybe and a little bit less connected to each other,” Mehta said. “And they’re looking to God to fill that void.”

Since Chicago native Pope Leo XIV became the first U.S.-born pontiff, Catholic churches across the country are expecting their largest number of new members in years this Easter.

The Archdiocese of Chicago says 614 people will receive Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion during Easter Vigil Mass, up 38% from last year, and 455 more people are joining the Catholic Church from other Christian traditions, up 78%. That’s more than 1,000 new Chicago Catholics, an increase of more than 50%.

“As a pastor, it’s incredible,” Fr. Masters said. “You know, it’s something that you hope for.”

Fr. Masters says many newcomers reported seeking truth, stability and a holy way of life. The same things that led him to convert.

“I was looking for something that was stable, something that was a solid truth that I could kind of hang my hat on and I wanted to become a better person,” Fr. Masters said.

Masters says the average age of those being received in the Church is just 28 years old. He believes this surge could inspire a new generation to join the priesthood.