Catholic Intentional Discipleship in the U.S.

Vinea Research collaborated with DeSales Media to conduct a survey of 3,323 self-identified Catholics across the U.S. in order to learn more about devout Catholics who have a disposition for discipleship. The ultimate goal of the survey is to better serve these people in order to help engaged Catholics live and share their faith on a deeper level. The survey aimed to:

• identify unmet discipleship needs,

• obtain reactions to and interest in the availability and use of apps in discipleship, and

• determine the extent to which these solutions address their unmet needs.

The report is a summary and analysis of the findings.

The Catholic Intentional Discipleship in the U.S. survey asked questions in the following areas:

• faith life,

• evangelization,

• spiritual direction,

• community involvement, and

• technology use.

faith life

Key findings in the faith life of engaged Catholics started with the expected: prayer and sacraments are key to their spiritual development. In addition, respondents said they wanted to grow in the following areas:

• witnessing to the Faith,

• humility,

• sacrifice,

• expressions of faith, and

• increasing the frequency of confession and attending retreats.

What helps these Catholics live out their Catholic faith? Books, podcasts, websites, and apps.

Evangelization

While many respondents expressed some level of comfort in sharing their faith, there was a mix of level of proactivity in actually doing so. They also expressed a great deal of interest in developing their evangelization skills, but we saw a large need for education and resources to help with evangelization, especially in the areas of:

• confidence,

• knowing how to engage in discussion, and

• how to engage in discussion in todays’ culture.

Spiritual direction

The survey found that more than half of engaged Catholics have experienced spiritual direction, but only 1 in 5 are currently engaged in it. The main reason? They don’t know how to find someone for spiritual direction.

Of note, the respondents were open to receiving spiritual direction online, especially those who have never received spiritual direction.

Community Involvement

More than three quarters of the respondents are involved in a group, whether professional, sports, a hobby, or a variety of other categories. The highest percentage (63%) were involved in a faith group. Their interest lies in two primary areas:

• community and fellowship (especially connecting with other Catholics) and

• growing their faith.

Technology Use

Not surprisingly, nearly all respondents had a smartphone. Seven in 10 of the respondents use faith apps at least three days a week. Most people listen to and watch faith-based podcasts and videos. Top faith apps used include:

• Laudate,

• Hallow,

• FORMED,

• iBreviary,

• Magnificat, and

• Word on Fire.

Respondents expressed interest in apps in four primary categories:

• discovery: find upcoming Catholic events, volunteer opportunities, ministries, communities, as well as Mass, confession, and adoration times;

• growth: spiritual direction, learn how to evangelize, speak to clergy or religious about vocation;

• communication: post prayer intentions, connect to other Catholics, connect parents for education interests; and

• organization: organize and assess spiritual life, manage giving.