Posted on 04/04/2026 11:10:34 PM PDT by Cronos
St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Parish is preparing to receive 47 people into the church, a dramatic increase over the 21 welcomed this time last year.
Now the church is working to get to the heart of the surge.
Dozens of soon-to-be Catholics and those reaffirming their faith in the church are preparing for their big welcome in Hinsdale.
St. Isaac Jogues Church is reporting a more than 124% increase from 2025.
"It's an incredible number that we haven't seen in years," Father Burke Masters said.
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.
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OMG, grew up in Hinsdale and went to that church for several years. And to their grade school for a few. years too.
Millions of illegal migrants from central & South America that are catholic going to churches here in the states?
Not quite. Those wouldn’t be getting baptised now in the states.
We’re talking about converts
You must be a lot of fun at parties. Where’s the evidence for your theory in the article?
This is the day, at the Easter Vigil, where new members are received I the church. Illegal immigration has been statistically zero since this day last year. So illegal aliens account for those increased membership numbers? You’ll need to find your cloud behind a silver lining by looking elsewhere
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