In the heart of eastern North Carolina—a region historically sparse in Catholic presence—the Diocese of Raleigh is emerging as a national leader in conversions to the faith. A 2024 Catholic World Report analysis ranks Raleigh #1 in the U.S. for “conversion-rich” activity, with one new person received into full communion for every 71 Catholics. This statistic is far above the national average of one in 413. In a state where Catholics comprise just 7% of the population, Raleigh’s growth reflects both demographic momentum and evangelization.
Dubbed the “Raleigh miracle,” this movement is more than numbers—it’s a testimony of personal encounter with Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit and diocesan leadership. With 4,838 conversions in 2025 alone, the diocese has become a model for how intentional outreach and innovative formation can ignite faith.
A surge in sacraments
The diocese’s vitality is measurable. Serving 500,000 Catholics across 54 counties, Raleigh has seen steady growth in baptisms, confirmations and other initiatory sacraments, which let to its top national ranking in the Official Catholic Directory. In 2023, it recorded 3,047 confirmations. Ten years prior the number of confirmations was 2,704; in 2003 it was 1,979.
Growth in a challenging heartland
Raleigh’s rise unfolds amid dynamic change in eastern North Carolina. While some rural areas face economic hardship, metros like Raleigh-Durham and Wilmington rank among the fastest-growing in the nation. This influx includes many “culturally Catholic” families—often Hispanic immigrants—whose delayed sacraments now find fulfillment in welcoming parishes. Group celebrations and flexible parish policies have boosted non-infant baptisms, especially among youth. Anglo communities are also responding, underscoring an inclusive evangelization that bridges cultures.
The Holy Spirit at work
Led by Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama, the diocese has placed personal conversion at the center of its mission. Leaders often say the diocese is fruitful because it’s connected to Jesus Christ, the vine; they credit the Holy Spirit as the efficient cause of every turning toward the sacraments.
The Office of Evangelization and Discipleship has led a renewed strategy focused on direct encounters with Christ through:
- Conversion Retreats led by the bishop
- Spiritual Formation for Leaders emphasizing prayer and commitment
- Gospel Proclamation Training that presents faith as a living encounter, not mere doctrine
- Eucharistic Devotion drawing believers into deeper communion
This renewal extends online through podcasts, videos and digital outreach. As Patrick Ginty, director of Faith Formation, noted: “It speaks to the good work that is being done in many parishes … There really is great evangelization occurring, especially online. It’s exciting to see the greater Church waking up and taking on the great commission of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Leadership and innovation
Bishop Luis’ active engagement began with the Always Be Ready course, developed with the OED. The five-part video series equips catechists and parish leaders to share the Gospel “with gentleness and reverence.” Accompanied by bilingual workbooks and group discussions, it is freely available online and adaptable for parishes, emphasizing the bishop’s hands-on approach to evangelization.
SALT: Youth Faith Formation
At Our Lady of Guadalupe in Newton Grove, the SALT ministry empowers teens to embrace their faith through the kerygma—the proclamation of salvation in Christ. Through lectio divina, weekly youth nights, family meals, Eucharistic adoration and reconciliation, SALT creates a vibrant, inclusive environment for young disciples to become the “salt of the earth.”
The Magis Center pilot program
The diocese launched a 2025–2026 pilot with Father Robert Spitzer, S.J., founder of the Magis Center of Reason and Faith. Offered free to parishes and schools, the program addresses the perceived conflict between science and faith. Sixteen parishes participated in the launch, featuring videos on the Shroud of Turin, Eucharistic miracles, and Marian apparitions. Similar programs have increased belief among high school seniors by 42%.
Leticia Ortega, coordinator of Ministry Formation, shared, “I can’t help but think how impactful this kind of formation would have been for me in middle school. It would have strengthened my faith and shaped me into a better person.”
For Father Spitzer, it’s important that people know it’s never too late.
“As leaders, we have this powerful resource to guide our young Church,” he said. “Providing the youth with these videos and resources can help save their faith for a lifetime.”
A model for missionary renewal
Raleigh’s success shows how faith, innovation and demographic vitality can work together to renew the Church. As Ginty observed, it signals the Church “waking up.”
Appearing on The Drew Mariani Show, Vicar General Father Michael Burbeck credited the source of all this growth. “First it’s the Holy Spirit,” he said. “We can be grateful, but we can’t take credit as if it were our doing. Every conversion is a work of grace.”
Bishop Luis echoed that sentiment. “It is only a beginning,” he said. “But it’s the beginnings of a success that everyone can be proud of because everyone is a part. Parents, diocesan evangelization leadership, faith formation leaders in parishes and everyone who annually supports these ministries through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. It’s all part of what makes this the best diocese in the world.”