The Diocese of Charleston is seeing significant growth, especially among its college-aged population.

It is a part of a national trend, which is seeing more Gen Z individuals return to traditional values.

“I think a lot of kids my age are looking for something to live for,” said Joseph McCarthy, a Catholic college student at the University of South Carolina.

A 2018 study found that South Carolina was the fifth most Protestant state in the U.S., with Catholicism being a much smaller percentage of churchgoers. However, the Diocese of Charleston has reported an uptick in attendance, marking a 14% increase in parishioners over the last decade.

One of the main catalysts for this growth is students. A Harvard study showed that the percentage of Gen Z individuals who identified as Catholic jumped from 15% to 21% in 2021.

At St.Thomas More, the Catholic campus ministry at USC, the trend follows suit. According to Rhett Williams, the priest at St. Thomas More, weekly mass attendance at his parish has increased by more than 260% since 2021.

“Anytime we can be close to Christ, that’s our, that’s our call,” said Williams. “That’s our goal.”

Many young Catholics were seeking spiritual comfort that they ultimately found in the Church.

“Sometimes the highs get really high and the lows get really low,” said Jack Slabe, a Catholic student at USC. “A Catholic faith provides balance, kind of centers you.”

“I believe that the Catholic faith can really help bring people back their mental clarity and find true peace,” said fellow Catholic student Pierce McCormick.

However, despite these testimonies, 79% of students who come into college Catholic will not leave Catholic, as a result of not actively practicing the faith.

“That is why this is a battleground,” said Williams. “It’s the first place, the first time where you can choose. What do you believe?”

According to Williams, however, 82% of Catholic students who embrace their faith in college will remain Catholic. This is why Catholic ministries across the state, like St. Thomas More at USC, place emphasis not only on what is above, but the community that builds around them.

“People around you are like, we have you,” said Catholic student Noel Lesslie. “If something happens, we have you.”