Survey: Social media had impact on record number of French catechumens

"There is currently a catechumenal phenomenon," enthused Fr. Vincent Breynaert, director of the National Service for Youth Evangelization and Vocations in France, at a recent press conference. And indeed, catechumens (adults and older teens preparing for baptism) are each year more numerous in France.

In fact, Aleteia and Famille Chrétienne have teamed up to conduct the largest survey ever of several hundred catechumens across France. The findings offer a striking snapshot of these men and women asking for baptism.

A first lesson emerges: a wind of youth is blowing through the Church of France thanks to these catechumens. 73% are under 35 years old. Focusing on the very young, 44% are under 25, and a few dozen are still minors (16 or 17 years old) across many dioceses of France.

“The Holy Spirit blows where it wills. The profile of this year’s catechumens testifies to it. 65% of them did not grow up in a practicing Christian family,” observes Father Paul Gac, who is responsible for catechumenate ministry in the Diocese of Créteil and who contributed significantly to this survey.

In most cases, these new believers discovered faith through personal searching (38%) or thanks to an encounter (28% — especially a friendship — far ahead of influence from family (12%).

Malaïka’s journey, 18 years old and a catechumen for a year in Paris, beautifully illustrates this emotional foundation: “I encountered God through personal initiatives and with the support of my family and friends,” she shares with us.

Notably, 22% of catechumens say they have no one in their circle who is Christian — no parents, friends, or even coworkers of faith.

Thankfully, the Church knows how to surround these seekers. 54% of respondents said the person who helps them the most on their journey is a priest or a catechist. 41% have also been able to count on a friend, while the faith of a sister or brother has been a support for 27%.

A quarter have benefited from a faith discovery program like Alpha or Alpha Jeunes (Youth Alpha). At the same time, one in four also say they could count on no one at all — neither family nor friends nor a church community.

But what is it that sparks such a desire for baptism in the first place? In the majority of cases, a spiritual experience (40%) is the trigger, and close behind, participation in Mass (27%).

More rarely — though still significant enough to note — life events like preparing for marriage or the birth of a child play a part (10%).

This was the case for Alexandra, 43, who had no religious upbringing, but confides that she “entered into the catechumenate after having accompanied her eldest son to catechism.” Other important catalysts include reading the Bible (9%) or the personal witness of people close to them (9%), and even the example of a believing spouse or fiancé (5%).

It turns out that many catechumens, even before baptism, are already immersing themselves in the life of the Church. They may not yet know the hymns very well — some even discovered the popular French worship song “Jésus-Christ, vous êtes mon amour” during their Rite of Election this past February — but 35% of the catechumens surveyed say they attend Mass every Sunday, and 29% go to Mass twice a month.

For some of them, it was precisely participation in the Eucharist that gave them the momentum and motivation to ask for baptism.

Take Raphaëlle, 23. Two years ago, after several years of experiencing “little voices” she would hear during Mass, Raphaëlle finally requested baptism. “I couldn’t put words to it; it seemed bizarre,” the young woman recalls. “It really weighed on me — until the day I understood that it was the Holy Spirit speaking to me.” Since then, she has been attending Mass every Sunday.

While the Mass often plays a role as a catalyst in awakening faith, social networks have clearly been a support throughout the catechumens’ journey.

An impressive 68% of catechumens surveyed report watching videos on social platforms like YouTube, Instagram or TikTok to better understand the Christian faith. Among these, one out of two particularly appreciates the online teachings of Father Matthieu, a young priest of the Diocese of Toulouse known for his prolific presence on social media. Many also enjoy the content of Father Matthieu Botlan from the Diocese of Versailles, who is likewise very active online.

“Self-formation has become a reality,” observes Fr. Paul Gac.

In practice, these catechumens use every means at their disposal to strengthen their faith — sometimes reading the lives of saints or even subscribing to a Catholic magazine (13%).

The media today has also given an opportunity to discover some well-known witnesses to the faith. For example, the popular French comedian Gad Elmaleh, who, while he himself has not been baptized (he maintains that he remains Jewish), explored Christianity in his film Reste un peu. His story resonated with many.

Others point to Sr. Claire Agnès, a Carmelite nun from Pontoise who became an icon for many during the COVID lockdowns with her songs, which countless French people sang in unison.

And now, with the highly publicized death and funeral of Pope Francis, who knows what impact this may have on the young who are searching for something a little richer in their lives?

If the Church sometimes worries about how to accompany these hundreds of new Christians over the long term, the catechumens themselves are brimming with enthusiasm about joining the community of believers. 39% say they are eager to join a community of faith. 27% express a desire for more information and teaching about the faith and the Mass, and 16% hope to see the creation of “young adult groups” in parishes.

These hopes line up with what the catechumens sense they will need to keep growing in faith. 57% say they need Christian friends to share their faith with, 22% are hoping for some form of spiritual mentoring or accompaniment, and 12% imagine the formation of parish groups specifically for neophytes (newly baptized Christians). It is now truly up to the Church and the faithful to welcome and walk with all of these new believers, so that this unexpected breeze of the Spirit continues to bear abundant fruit.

Meet many of these new Catholics at our series, here.