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Mass attendance in England and Wales saw a notable increase between 2022 and 2023, with nearly 50,000 more attendees reported. This development has been highlighted by Stephen Bullivant, a professor of theology and sociology of religion at St. Mary’s University in London, as potentially pivotal for the church's growth.
Data from the bishops' conference showed that Mass attendance rose to approximately 555,000 in 2023 from just over 503,000 in the previous year. Bullivant commented on these figures: “I was very pleasantly surprised by the numbers. The people who are left at the end of 60 years of secularization have to be there for a reason — plus they’re hanging out with other people who are also there for a reason.”
Bullivant attributes part of this change to the COVID-19 pandemic, which he described as a "key moment" for the church. He explained that during lockdowns when churches were closed, those who would have naturally drifted away did so then. By now, most Catholics interested in returning have likely done so.
Despite numbers still falling short of pre-pandemic levels—down from 701,902 attendees in 2019—the returnees are considered committed members. “Because we sort of cleared out the people who would be going anyway (due to COVID-19), there’s a sense in which the people who have come back are the ‘harder core’ of people,” Bullivant stated.
Historically declining since first recorded in 1958 with 1.8 million attendees, Mass participation hit its lowest point in recent years but shows signs of recovery.
Catholics make up about 10% of the UK population but can act as what Bullivant calls a "creative minority." With diverse congregations bolstered by immigration—such as significant Catholic populations arriving from India—the church finds hope amid challenges.
Families and youth represent key areas for future mission work. Bullivant notes many families haven't returned post-pandemic and expresses optimism about youth engagement through events like Flame at Wembley Arena, attracting young Catholics keen on community faith activities.
Youth spiritual engagement is further supported by OnePoll data showing that Generation Z displays considerable interest in spirituality compared to older generations.
Scotland exhibits similar trends with Sunday Mass attendance rising modestly from around 89,000 in 2022 to over 95,000 last year; however, this remains below pre-pandemic figures.
Andy Drozdziak reports these findings from Barnard Castle for OSV News.
