Brazil’s dioceses will survey adults seeking catechumenate entry, helping the Vatican assess trends in adult faith initiation
Newsroom (28/07/2026 Gaudium Press ) The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) has instructed dioceses across the country to carry out a survey aimed at identifying adults who have requested admission to the catechumenate, the period of formation and initiation into Christian life within the Catholic Church.
The initiative follows a request from the Dicastery for Evangelization, the Vatican body responsible for promoting missionary activity and evangelization efforts worldwide. Through the survey, the Holy See seeks to obtain a clearer understanding of adults who have entered the catechumenal process and who have been baptized in significant numbers in recent years.
According to the CNBB, the data collection effort will gather information on several aspects of those seeking admission to the catechumenate. “Among the data requested are age range, religious background, and other aspects related to the catechumenal journey,” the bishops’ conference stated.
Church leaders say the information will help Vatican officials develop a more detailed picture of the adult catechumenate in local churches. “The information gathered will contribute to the Dicastery having a more precise overview of the reality of adult catechumenate in the particular Churches,” the CNBB explained.
The conference emphasized that the new consultation is distinct from a previous study conducted by the Episcopal Commission for Biblical-Catechetical Animation of the CNBB and released in June. That earlier initiative focused on the number of adult baptisms celebrated during the Easter Vigil, one of the most significant liturgical celebrations in the Catholic calendar.
The current survey, by contrast, concentrates specifically on adults who have expressed a desire to begin the catechumenal journey, regardless of whether they have already reached the stage of baptism.
The request from the Dicastery for Evangelization was formally communicated to bishops and diocesan administrators through a letter dated July 14. The document was signed by Cardinal Jaime Spengler, Archbishop of Porto Alegre and president of the CNBB, together with Archbishop Leomar Antônio Brustolin of Santa Maria, who serves as president of the Episcopal Commission for Biblical-Catechetical Animation.
To facilitate participation, dioceses received a link to a consultation form containing three questions. The CNBB said responses must be submitted by September 5, the deadline established for gathering information that will contribute to the international survey being organized by the Dicastery for Evangelization.
By collecting standardized information from dioceses throughout Brazil, Church authorities aim to contribute to a broader global assessment of adult interest in the Catholic faith and the catechumenal process. The results will form part of an international effort led by the Vatican to better understand contemporary patterns of adult initiation into Christian life within local churches around the world.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI Digital
