In Hinsdale, Ill., St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Parish is gearing up for a significant event as it prepares to welcome 47 individuals into its congregation. This marks a remarkable increase from the 21 new members who joined at the same time last year.
The parish is delving into the reasons behind this surge in interest. The influx includes both soon-to-be Catholics and those reaffirming their commitment to the church, all eagerly anticipating their formal reception into the community.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Compared to 2025, St. Isaac Jogues Church has witnessed an impressive increase of over 124% in new members. Father Burke Masters expressed his amazement, noting, “It’s an incredible number that we haven’t seen in years.”
Among those on this transformative journey is 16-year-old Jaden Ternand, who describes his path as beginning with a quest for truth. His story is one of many that reflect a deep personal exploration leading to this spiritual milestone.
“It’s an incredible number that we haven’t seen in years,” Father Burke Masters said.
Jaden Ternand, 16, says his journey began with a search for truth.
“I was more committed to finding the truth,” Ternand said. “And I heard, you know, to seek truth is to seek love and to seek love is to seek God. Right? And that’s what it was.”
Christina Mehta, converting from another Christian denomination, says it’s about finding a deeper connection.
“I think that everyone is feeling more connected by their phones maybe and a little bit less connected to each other,” Mehta said. “And they’re looking to God to fill that void.”
Since Chicago native Pope Leo XIV became the first U.S.-born pontiff, Catholic churches across the country are expecting their largest number of new members in years this Easter.
The Archdiocese of Chicago says 614 people will receive Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion during Easter Vigil Mass, up 38% from last year, and 455 more people are joining the Catholic Church from other Christian traditions, up 78%. That’s more than 1,000 new Chicago Catholics, an increase of more than 50%.
“As a pastor, it’s incredible,” Fr. Masters said. “You know, it’s something that you hope for.”
Fr. Masters says many newcomers reported seeking truth, stability and a holy way of life. The same things that led him to convert.
“I was looking for something that was stable, something that was a solid truth that I could kind of hang my hat on and I wanted to become a better person,” Fr. Masters said.
Masters says the average age of those being received in the Church is just 28 years old. He believes this surge could inspire a new generation to join the priesthood.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
