What Faith-Based Leaders Can Learn From the Surge in Catholic Church Attendance

Every now and then, an article crosses your screen that makes you pause—not because of the headline, but because of what it reveals beneath the surface.

Recently, the New York Post highlighted a surprising shift: New Yorkers are returning to the Catholic Church seeking spiritual grounding, community, and in-person spaces to pray daily (article link). For some, it’s unexpected. For others, it simply confirms what they’ve been quietly sensing for years.

Let me be clear: this is not a blog promoting Catholicism.

This is about availability, access, presence and a much bigger leadership question that affects every faith community:

Are we creating a space where people of every culture, background, political affiliation, and life experience feel welcomed, valued, and spiritually safe?

Because people are not only searching for God. They’re searching for belonging.

The Real Question Isn't "Why Catholicism?" It's "Why Availability?"

As someone who grew up Catholic, I understand the impact that consistent rhythms, open doors, and accessible sacred spaces can have.

The Hunger Hasn't Decreased, Access Has

What the article revealed wasn't just a denominational shift; it was a demand for something many churches across the board have been struggling to offer consistently post-COVID:

• A place to pray daily in person

• A community available throughout the week

• Access to spiritual support Monday through Sunday

• Faith rhythms people can rely on

• Leaders who are present, not just visible

• Environments where all cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds feel safe

People are not less spiritual.

People are not less hungry.

People have not stopped seeking community.

Therefore, these simple questions matter:

• How many churches in your area keep their doors open seven days a week?

• How many offer in-person support or prayer outside of Sunday or mid-week services?

• How many ministries listed online are actually active—and not paused due to post-COVID manpower issues?

• How many volunteers have offered to help, only to be told, “Thanks, but we’re not reactivating that right now”?

And then the deeper leadership question: Are we cultivating a space where all cultures, races, political affiliations, and backgrounds genuinely feel welcome without being judged or made uncomfortable?

Because an open building means little if the environment doesn’t feel open too.

This Is Not a Comment War - It's a Call to Lead

This is not an invitation to start what I call the Keyboard Apostle debate—

those circular online battles that exhaust everyone, but change no one. This is a moment for reflection. A moment to ask: What do people in our communities really need?

This trend isn’t about Catholicism.

It’s about availability, diversity, access, and belonging - the foundations all spiritual communities should embody. This is an opportunity for leaders to access the gaps to expand the table, not shrink it.

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Kirsten Fleming started an important conversation - one that deserves more than a comment thread or another Keyboard Apostle debate. It deserves a dialogue rooteed in openness, wisdom, and solutions.

That’s why I’m hosting The Exchange, a space inside the Favored Together community for faith leaders, marketplace leaders, emerging voices, and thinkers who are ready for honest, meaningful dialogue.

We're talking about:

• the hunger we’re seeing in our communities

• the need for greater access and consistency

• how to rebuild ministry in a post-COVID world

• what true inclusiveness looks like

• how to cultivate community across cultures and political lines

• how to create environments where people feel spiritually safe

  
  

If this stirs something in you—questions, ideas, solutions, or even convictions—reserve your spot below for The Exchange, hosted by Rhonda Chaplin inside the Favored Together community. We're gathering on Tuesday, December 2nd at 6:00pm.

Click Here to Register

If people are searching for a place to pray, belong, and grow, every expression of the church has a responsibility to be present and welcoming.