Sunday Draws the Highest Attendance for Most Churches Across the Nation
Live from Saint Patrick's Cathedral — Caitlyn Becker Reports
Today marks one of the busiest days for churches across America. Caitlyn Becker is live at the iconic Saint Patrick's Cathedral — a landmark not only in New York City but across the country. Caitlyn, what’s the scene like there with crowds pouring in?
"It's truly a sight to see. Earlier today, the line to get into Saint Patrick’s wrapped completely around the block — stretching along Fifth Avenue and all the way down Madison Avenue," Caitlyn reports.
"The cathedral holds about 2,400 people, and today, they're likely reaching — or even exceeding — that capacity, with standing-room-only sections in the back."
While early morning services were quieter, the crowds grew throughout the day, as many Americans prefer attending later services. This trend mirrors what’s happening across the country at major churches — including the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. and the historic churches in New Orleans, where Easter celebrations blend with festive parades.
Caitlyn notes, "Today's turnout is far larger than a typical Sunday. While we don't have official attendance numbers yet, it's clear that churches are experiencing their 'Christmas and Easter' crowds — sometimes jokingly called 'CEOs' (Christmas and Easter Only attendees)."
This phenomenon is well recognized within the Catholic Church. Pope Francis himself has previously addressed the issue, acknowledging the decline in regular attendance but urging believers not to lose hope. He emphasizes the need to focus on renewing faith rather than despairing over numbers.
Fewer Americans Identify as Religious
Caitlyn also highlights a broader trend: fewer Americans today are identifying as religious at all.
"This isn't just affecting Catholicism — it’s happening across many faiths. Older generations still largely identify as religious, but among Millennials and Gen Z, those numbers decline significantly."
This generational shift poses a concern for religious institutions, especially as older congregants age. Despite the challenges in the U.S., Catholicism continues to grow globally, according to the latest Vatican census. However, in America, the trend of declining church attendance and religious identification remains a pressing issue for faith leaders nationwide.
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