Catholicism sees major resurgence among Gen Z, led by men
Young men are driving a growing surge in Catholicism among Gen Z, as they turn to faith as an answer to loneliness, cultural drift and a search for purpose.
A Harvard University study shows that Gen Zers who identified as Catholic rose by 6% between 2022 and 2023, a shift that Father Michael Tidd — headmaster of Delbarton School, a Benedictine Catholic school for young men in grades 7-12 in Morristown, New Jersey — says he has witnessed himself.
'We present our students with an experience of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. We propose, we don't impose, and they come to us, and that seems to be really resonant with them,' he shared with 'Fox & Friends' on Thursday.
'For the last several years, we have also had students be received into the church, either be baptized as Catholics for the first time or to receive all of their sacraments, because the experience that they have had here… of what it means particularly to be a man in our society, what it needs to be a believing man, a Catholic Christian man, really resonates with our students. And the larger things that you read about in our society about how… what it means to be man, is really a difficult question for a lot of young men to answer. I think our school and the Catholic Church more broadly and the Catholic faith more broadly provide a compelling answer to that.'
3 A Harvard University study shows that Gen Zers who identified as Catholic rose by 6% between 2022 and 2023.
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Father Tidd said he sees students responding to that question in a faith-based way 'every day.'
Students at Delbarton come from a variety of backgrounds – some from practicing Catholic families, others from non-Catholic families – but all are presented with what it means to be a Catholic Christian both in the theology classroom and while doing service out in the world.
Father Tidd described the school's retreat experiences as a 'real game-changer' for students as well as the 'common worship' at mass and morning prayer that brings together all students.
3 Father Michael Tidd, headmaster of Delbarton School, a Benedictine Catholic school for young men, says he has witnessed this increase.
FOX
3 Pope Leo XIV recently sent a message of encouragement to young Americans in his hometown of Chicago a part of the faith.
Maria Grazia Picciarella/Shutterstock
The sense of community is an answer to disturbing findings like a recent Gallup Poll, which found that younger men in the U.S. were 'among the loneliest in the West.'
More specifically, one in four men under the age of 35 reported feeling lonely the prior day, the data revealed.
In a video address last week to the faithful in his hometown of Chicago, Pope Leo XIV sent a message of encouragement to young Americans.
'So many people who suffer from different experiences of depression or sadness — they can discover that the love of God is truly healing, that it brings hope,' the newly elected pontiff said.
Father Tidd suggested that young men affected by loneliness take initiative and find others who share common experiences, dreams, ambitions and, together, work to find answers to questions about meaning and purpose.
'That's one of the benefits of coming to a Catholic school, is that we have that structure that if a student wishes to take advantage of – particularly not just in class, but on athletic teams or extracurriculars – when you form those tight bonds, then you can begin to ask those deep questions,' he added.
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New York Post
8 hours ago
- New York Post
Catholicism sees major resurgence among Gen Z, led by men
Young men are driving a growing surge in Catholicism among Gen Z, as they turn to faith as an answer to loneliness, cultural drift and a search for purpose. A Harvard University study shows that Gen Zers who identified as Catholic rose by 6% between 2022 and 2023, a shift that Father Michael Tidd — headmaster of Delbarton School, a Benedictine Catholic school for young men in grades 7-12 in Morristown, New Jersey — says he has witnessed himself. 'We present our students with an experience of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. We propose, we don't impose, and they come to us, and that seems to be really resonant with them,' he shared with 'Fox & Friends' on Thursday. 'For the last several years, we have also had students be received into the church, either be baptized as Catholics for the first time or to receive all of their sacraments, because the experience that they have had here… of what it means particularly to be a man in our society, what it needs to be a believing man, a Catholic Christian man, really resonates with our students. And the larger things that you read about in our society about how… what it means to be man, is really a difficult question for a lot of young men to answer. I think our school and the Catholic Church more broadly and the Catholic faith more broadly provide a compelling answer to that.' 3 A Harvard University study shows that Gen Zers who identified as Catholic rose by 6% between 2022 and 2023. Getty Images Father Tidd said he sees students responding to that question in a faith-based way 'every day.' Students at Delbarton come from a variety of backgrounds – some from practicing Catholic families, others from non-Catholic families – but all are presented with what it means to be a Catholic Christian both in the theology classroom and while doing service out in the world. Father Tidd described the school's retreat experiences as a 'real game-changer' for students as well as the 'common worship' at mass and morning prayer that brings together all students. 3 Father Michael Tidd, headmaster of Delbarton School, a Benedictine Catholic school for young men, says he has witnessed this increase. FOX 3 Pope Leo XIV recently sent a message of encouragement to young Americans in his hometown of Chicago a part of the faith. Maria Grazia Picciarella/Shutterstock The sense of community is an answer to disturbing findings like a recent Gallup Poll, which found that younger men in the U.S. were 'among the loneliest in the West.' More specifically, one in four men under the age of 35 reported feeling lonely the prior day, the data revealed. In a video address last week to the faithful in his hometown of Chicago, Pope Leo XIV sent a message of encouragement to young Americans. 'So many people who suffer from different experiences of depression or sadness — they can discover that the love of God is truly healing, that it brings hope,' the newly elected pontiff said. Father Tidd suggested that young men affected by loneliness take initiative and find others who share common experiences, dreams, ambitions and, together, work to find answers to questions about meaning and purpose. 'That's one of the benefits of coming to a Catholic school, is that we have that structure that if a student wishes to take advantage of – particularly not just in class, but on athletic teams or extracurriculars – when you form those tight bonds, then you can begin to ask those deep questions,' he added.
Los Angeles Times
8 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
Why Wildfires Can Be Especially Devastating for Older Adults
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A 2023 study published in Science of the Total Environment found that older adults (ages 65 and up) who were exposed to multiple large wildfires in California experienced significantly more frequent days of mental health problems, even years later. Researchers noted that the psychological burden was strongest among seniors with limited income or mobility. When an elderly adult's property burns down in a wildfire, they don't just lose shelter. They also lose a place of lifelong memories, routines, and identity — a home they hoped would last long after them and bring comfort to their families in the future. In Altadena, a diverse neighborhood known for its historic Black population and strong pride in generational homeownership, the devastation of the Eaton Fire has been especially painful. 'Altadena was one of those spots where there was generational wealth creation,' said architect Matthew Trotter, president of SoCal NOMA and leader of the Altadena Rebuild Coalition. 'And what comes with generational wealth creation is also a certain level of knowledge creation.' Trotter said that a large part of the 200 families his coalition is supporting to help rebuild Altadena are older residents whose homes were purchased by themselves or their families in the 40s, 50s, and 60s as a place of refuge for African-Americans from redlining and discriminatory housing practices in Los Angeles during the Jim Crow era. A recent analysis by the UCLA Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies found that 57% of Black homeowners affected by the Eaton Fire in Altadena were over the age of 65. Trotter said that many of them lacked adequate insurance, and their losses have disrupted generational wealth that families had hoped to pass on. This underscores how the destruction of homes for older wildfire survivors can damage family legacy, history and connection, bringing on another layer of distress. National research has shown that older adults are more likely to develop PTSD and adjustment disorders following disasters than younger populations, due in part to fragile support systems, compounding life losses, and barriers to accessing care. 'Old people get isolated and they get lonely,' Dr. Sherin said. 'Particularly in Western culture, which is not necessarily focused on family as much as other cultures.' He explained that trauma for older wildfire survivors can surface in many ways, including hypervigilance, irritability, depression, or complete withdrawal to the point that they stop doing actions that help prolong their lives. 'They don't eat well, they stop taking their medications, they drive when they shouldn't be driving,' Dr. Sherin said. 'They become suicidal and self-injurious, or they just defer their care.' Sometimes, these changes are mistaken for signs of normal aging, but they may actually signal more profound distress, particularly following a traumatic event like a natural disaster. Whether you're a family member, neighbor, or friend, being proactive in talking about the trauma and being present for elderly wildfire survivors can make a real difference. Sherin noted that wildfire survivors often 'take a big financial hit' and may find themselves relying on others in ways that feel uncomfortable, which can keep them from asking for help. 'When you're losing your agency, and you're losing your identity as a part of a trauma … that's a real problem and it needs to be addressed,' Dr. Sherin said. 'And the way to address it is not just medicating people.' He said it's essential to help older adults feel connected and appreciated, whether by inviting them to family events or encouraging regular routines, such as attending church. Dr. Sherin also said that some sadness and grief are expected. 'A lot of it is normal, and is a normal part of the process of kind of going through a loss, mourning it and moving it forward,' Dr. Sherin said. However, if anyone affected by the fires finds it challenging to do the things they usually do, it may be a sign that they are not coping well with their loss and may need extra support. Here are specific signs Dr. Sherin said to look for: However, there is some positive research on mental health consequences for our elders after a wildfire. Some studies have found that older disaster survivors may carry greater long-term resilience. According to a 2023 article in the Journal of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, older adults often suffer greater psychological harm in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, but those who do rebuild or receive meaningful support within a year may become less vulnerable to long-term psychological decline than younger adults. Researchers referred to this as the 'inoculation' effect of aging, citing life experience and emotional regulation as key factors in post-disaster recovery. Therefore, the key to making sure elderly wildfire survivors do not develop depression and can cope well with the loss is to engage with them and make them feel a part of the community. Dr. Sherin said that when families, neighbors, and communities offer connection and care, that support can be the most powerful form of healing. It just takes everyone to be comfortable addressing mental health challenges and feel the duty to act if they see someone struggling. 'Raise the red flag in a loving way, just like you would when someone you know is injured physically,' Dr. Sherin said. 'When someone's burned and they're in pain. Do you just ignore it? No. So it's the same thing, and we can't ignore that.' If you or someone you know is actively planning to harm themselves, call 988 or 911 immediately. Visit the LA County Department of Mental Health – Older Adult Services page for free access to therapy, case management, and in-home support for L.A. County residents aged 60 and older experiencing depression, trauma, grief, or isolation. You can also call their ACCESS line 24/7 at 800-854-7771 or text 'LA' to 741741.
Hamilton Spectator
16 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
No gavel needed: Pat Daly steps down after four decades on Catholic board
It took several prompts and iterations for Catholic trustees , with the help of ChatGPT, to create the perfect parting prayer for Pat Daly . A lot has changed in three decades, but the chair seat hasn't. Now, after 34 years, Daly, who has helmed the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board since 1991, is stepping down. 'Through tireless days and steadfast years, he served with faith, with hopes and fears,' trustees read in unison from the text brought by trustee Mark Valvasori. 'A shepherd strong, with heart and soul, committed to the common goal.' Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board chair Pat Daly is stepping down after 34 years. It's the end of an era for the board — and for Daly, whose 40-year run as Ward 7 representative comes to an end on Friday. He was first elected in 1985, replacing his father on the board after the elder Daly's death. Daly was elected to the top job several years later, and is believed to be the longest-running chair in the province's history. 'It seems like yesterday,' Daly said following his final board meeting on Tuesday evening, at which trustees bid him a heartfelt farewell. 'Your hard work, insight and integrity have left a lasting mark,' said Ward 10 trustee Mary Nardini, who has worked with Daly for more than 20 years. 'You'll be missed, but we know you'll continue to make a difference wherever you go.' Longtime Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board chair Pat Daly at his final board meeting on June 17, 2025. At 67, Daly has accepted the top job at the Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association (OCSTA) after the current executive director announced plans to retire. Daly has a long history with the organization, including eight years as its president. He starts on Monday. A round of applause erupted in the Mulberry Street boardroom, and trustees presented Daly with an award. 'Whatever small contribution I've made, it's only as a result of the friendship, the partnership … of the men and women around this board,' he said. 'We have done amazing things.' And he's never once had to use his gavel to maintain order, he said, raising it to demonstrate. It's still unclear how his vacant Ward 7 seat will be filled. Historically, the board has opted to appoint a trustee — the cheaper option — over holding a byelection, Daly said. The last municipal vacancy — Ward 4 at the public board — was filled via a byelection in January with a little more than two years until the next election, which is set for October 2026. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
