The New Emangelization Project’s 2015 survey “Helping Priests Become More Effective in Evangelizing Men” highlights the ongoing Catholic “man-crisis” and its roots in weak evangelization efforts. Despite 40 years of New Evangelization initiatives, millions of Catholic men have abandoned the faith or live as indifferent “casual Catholics.” The survey, which gathered responses from over 1,400 practicing Catholic men in 1,000+ parishes, reveals systemic neglect: few priests prioritize men’s evangelization, and men are largely dissatisfied with current parish outreach.
Findings show that only about 20% of priests actively evangelize men, with nearly 90% of respondents saying diocesan and parish efforts are inadequate. Many priests lack a concrete “man-plan,” rarely gather men for catechesis, or challenge them to live authentic Catholic manhood. This neglect leaves men under-catechized, confused about faith and masculinity, and disconnected from parish life. The lack of male fraternity contributes to declining Mass attendance, infrequent Confession, and fewer men passing the faith to their children. Reverence in the Mass and strong, clear preaching on sin, Confession, and the Eucharist are also lacking, further alienating men.
Yet the survey highlights great potential. Priests who personally engage men, call them to holiness, teach core truths, and foster fraternity have significant impact. Men respond to strong leadership, reverent liturgy, and personal invitations to pray, attend sacraments, and join other faithful men in brotherhood. The report calls bishops and priests to make evangelizing men a top priority, returning to the Acts 2:42 model: gathering men regularly for prayer, sacraments, teaching, and fellowship. Without deliberate, priest-led efforts to convert and catechize men, the Church’s decline will deepen. With renewed zeal, personal commitment, and consistent outreach, priests can ignite generations of Catholic men on fire for Jesus Christ and His Church.