Idaho Catholic youth group sees record attendance growth

A Catholic youth group in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, has seen a 50% increase in the past few years, as part of a larger trend of Gen Z and Gen Alpha’s growing interest in the Catholic faith.

The program at St. Pius X serves 85 middle school and high school students from four local parishes in the Diocese of Boise, according to Favs News. Twenty-four adults serve on the team leading the youth in weekly meetings including prayer, adoration, fellowship, and a home-cooked meal. 

Youth ministry leader Wes Miller partially attributed the growth to the increase in young adult leaders working with the teenagers.

“This is the strongest adult leadership team I’ve ever had,” he said, adding later, “Their energy, relatability and ability to connect with teens brings a unique and powerful dimension to the ministry.”

The leadership includes a broad range of leaders, from college-age students to homeschooling mothers of teenagers and seniors like 72-year-old Louie Zember.

“I see a major revival going on,” said Zember, who has served on the youth ministry team at St. Pius X Church for the past 15 years. “We pray the youth will bring Jesus from their head into their heart, so they will know him personally and go deeper in a relationship that lasts their whole life.”

Joanie Young, a 62-year-old parishioner, makes homemade meals for the students and leaders each week.

“If the kids see someone who cares, who wants them to have good food and is joyful about serving it, that goes a long way for their youth group experience here,” she said.

Miller concluded that the rising number of young people involved in the program is a sign that the Lord is truly touching their hearts.

“That’s what matters most here,” he said. “It’s a reason to praise God and be hopeful in terms of Catholic faith development. You just need to trust God with all of it.”