Originally posted on www.anchornews.org
By Joan D. Warren
In recent years, the Diocese of Fall River has seen a notable increase in adults seeking entry into the Catholic Church. What might appear to be a statistical trend reflects a broader pattern of spiritual searching and religious engagement.
The development is not unique to Southeastern Massachusetts. A recent National Catholic Register article, “Something’s Happening: Catholic converts surge in many U.S. dioceses,” describes similar growth across the United States, with dioceses reporting unexpected rises in adult conversions. Fall River stands out among them, recording a 71 percent increase in converts in 2025 and ranking seventh nationally in percentage growth according to the Catholic Register article.
Participation in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) has expanded significantly within the diocese. In 2025, 33 parishes reported 102 participants. By 2026, that figure had risen to 187 participants across 39 parishes. The group includes catechumens preparing for Baptism as well as candidates, baptized Christians seeking full communion with the Church.
Despite variations in how dioceses track participation, local leaders say the upward trend is clear.
“Each story is unique,” said David Carvalho, Secretary for the New Evangelization for the Diocese. “But many describe a moment of encounter, a personal experience that led them to seek out the Church.”
Deacon Christopher Paul, Director of Adult and Child Discipleship for the Diocese, said many participants describe a sense of restlessness prior to beginning the process.
“The Spirit is moving in the hearts of those who are discontented,” he said. “They’re searching for something more.”
For some, particularly younger adults, that search is shaped by an interest in the structure and tradition of Catholic worship. Clergy and parish leaders point to the appeal of liturgical reverence and continuity as a contrast to contemporary culture.
At the parish level, the trend is increasingly visible. At St. John the Evangelist Parish in Attleboro, 22 individuals entered the Church at this year’s Easter Vigil, including 15 who were baptized.
Parish leaders say many participants arrive with limited religious background, while others are influenced by Catholic family members or friends. Increasingly, they also come having conducted their own research, through podcasts, books, and online resources, before formally beginning the process.
That shift has led some parishes to adjust their approach. At St. John’s, inquiry sessions now begin earlier in the year, sometimes in the winter months, allowing prospective participants more time to ask questions and become involved in parish life before formal instruction begins.
By the fall, many are already attending Mass regularly and forming connections within the parish community.
Parish leaders describe the process as one of accompaniment, with sponsors and catechists guiding participants through instruction, prayer, and reflection. They note that the experience often has a broader impact, renewing the faith of those already in the Church.
“Their stories remind us not to take our faith for granted,” said Richard Buttermore, among parish leaders.
The group of new members reflects the diversity of the parish itself. Some participants have connections to Bishop Feehan High School, while others come from the area’s growing Spanish-speaking community, supported by bilingual ministry.
At the Easter Vigil, parishioners gathered alongside those entering the Church, marking the occasion with a sense of celebration and continuity.
Similar developments are being reported across the Diocese of Fall River. While individual experiences vary, clergy point to common themes, including a search for meaning, an interest in religious tradition, and a willingness to pursue faith more intentionally.
In a period often characterized by social and cultural uncertainty, diocesan leaders say the increase in adult conversions reflects a continuing interest in religious life, expressed one person at a time.