Are young men becoming more interested in Catholicism? We’re calling for participants to find investigate the changing landscape.

Theos, in partnership with the Benedict XVI Centre for the Study of Religion, Ethics and Society at St Mary’s University, Twickenham is launching new qualitative research exploring young men’s interest in Catholicism in Great Britain.

From anecdotal data and looking at church statistics from the last few years, it appears that young male engagement with Catholicism may be changing. Although women still outnumber men among those entering or preparing to enter the Church, the faster growth among men may indicate a changing pattern of male engagement with Catholicism, potentially involving younger generations. 

Existing studies point towards factors including meaning, ritual, community, masculinity, cultural uncertainty, tradition and digital media,[i] but further research is needed to understand how these factors interact in the lives of men exploring Catholicism in Britain.

Call for participants

We are interested in hearing about young men’s journeys to Catholicism. What drew them to the Catholic Church? What kept them interested?

We are hoping to speak to a wide range of men aged 18–35 years old across Britain, who have been (or soon to be) baptised and/or confirmed in the Catholic Church in the last 5 years, or who have returned to the Catholic faith in the last 5 years after drifting away.

Interviews will be conducted in person and online, and last around 45 minutes. Unless otherwise agreed, participants will remain anonymous in any reporting. 

If this sounds like you, or someone you know, please encourage them to complete our 5–minute survey and book a time to speak with our researcher, Marianne Rozario.

For any questions, please email: marianne.rozario@theosthinktank.co.uk

Survey: Drawn to Faith: Young Men and Catholicism – Fill in form

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