Pew Survey Shows 77% of U.S. Catholics Take Communion, Highlights Demographic Gaps

When Pope Francis urges the faithful to cherish the Eucharist, a new 2024 Pew Religious Landscape SurveyUnited States revealed that roughly three‑quarters of American Catholics actually receive Communion at least sometime during Mass, the findings underscore a surprisingly uneven landscape.

Survey Overview

The Pew Research Center, based in Washington, D.C., fielded the questionnaire from February 3‑9, 2024. A total of 9,544 adults were interviewed, including 1,787 who identified as Catholic. The poll sits alongside the broader 2023‑2024 U.S. Religious Landscape Study, giving researchers a deep dive into how Catholics practice their faith today.

Key Findings on Communion

Here’s the thing: 77 % of surveyed Catholics said they take Communion at least some of the time they attend Mass, while 17 % admitted they never receive the host. Among regular mass‑goers, the numbers get even clearer—43 % receive Communion every single time they sit in a pew, and another 13 % do so most of the time. Put together, that means a solid 56 % of all Catholics are consistent communicants.

But the story shifts when you look at weekly attendees. An impressive 82 % of those who go to Mass each week report taking Communion during the service. That’s the group most likely to follow the church’s sacramental rhythm.

Demographic Differences

Half of all U.S. Catholics attend Mass at least once a week, yet the practice of receiving Communion varies sharply by ethnicity. Hispanic Catholics—who make up 33 % of the Catholic population—tend to be younger; only 14 % of them are 65 or older, compared with 38 % of white Catholics. Younger parishioners appear more inclined to receive Communion regularly, though the data also shows a modest dip among some Hispanic groups who attend Mass less frequently.

When you break the numbers down further, white Catholics (57 % of the total) are more likely to report receiving Communion every time they attend, whereas Asian (4 %) and Black (2 %) Catholics exhibit slightly lower consistency, reflecting broader cultural and community patterns within the Church.

Broader Catholic Identity in America

The Pew study also paints a picture of “cultural Catholics.” Roughly a quarter of adults who say they’re culturally Catholic—meaning they feel a connection through family, heritage, or ethnicity rather than belief—still take Communion at least occasionally. In total, 47 % of U.S. adults claim some sort of tie to Catholicism, whether they are active members, cultural affiliates, former members, or have a Catholic parent or spouse.

Daily prayer is another telling metric: half of all Catholics say they pray each day, and 23 % go to confession at least once a year. Those habits, while not directly linked to Communion, hint at the rhythm of personal devotion that undergirds sacramental participation.

Methodology and Limitations

To capture a representative snapshot, Pew Research Center employed random‑digit dialing and online panels, oversampling religious minorities to ensure their voices weren’t lost in the shuffle. Interviews were conducted in both English and Spanish, a crucial step given the sizable Hispanic Catholic cohort.

One caveat: the survey relies on self‑reporting, which can inflate or deflate actual practice. Some respondents may claim they receive Communion more often than they do to align with perceived expectations, while others might downplay their participation out of privacy concerns.

Implications for the Church

What does this mean for the hierarchy? For Pope Francis and American bishops, the data is a double‑edged sword. On one hand, the high overall Communion rate suggests the sacrament remains a central anchor for millions. On the other, the 17 % who never receive it—and the distinct ethnic gaps—signal opportunities for targeted pastoral outreach.

Parishes in regions with large Hispanic populations, for example, might consider bilingual liturgies or community‑building events that reinforce the importance of the Eucharist. Likewise, the fact that cultural Catholics still partake occasionally offers a bridge for the Church to re‑engage those on the periphery.

Key Facts at a Glance

• 77 % of U.S. Catholics receive Communion at least some of the time.
• 43 % take Communion every Mass; 13 % most of the time.
• 82 % of weekly Mass attendees receive Communion during the service.
• Hispanic Catholics constitute 33 % of the Catholic population and are markedly younger.
• Half of all Catholics pray daily; 23 % go to confession yearly.