Young Catholics Find Community and Truth in South Boston Church Group

SOUTH BOSTON — A young adult Catholic group at Gate of Heaven Parish in South Boston has experienced significant growth in recent years, drawing in young people seeking community, intellectual engagement with their faith, and a straightforward presentation of Church teachings. What began as a small, somewhat awkward gathering in February 2023 has blossomed into a thriving community of over 200 regular attendees by March 2026.

A Shift in Focus

The transformation began in June 2023 when Father Peter Schirripa, then newly appointed as parochial vicar, added weekly Eucharistic adoration, confession, structured talks on Catholic teachings, and organized pilgrimages and retreats to the existing young adult meetings. Previously, adoration had only occurred every other week. This shift in focus sparked a noticeable increase in attendance. By January 2025, the group had grown to around 40 members, and by August 2025, it reached approximately 100. As of March 2026, attendance regularly exceeds 200, with some meetings drawing as many as 240 participants.

Organic Growth and Community Building

The group’s growth has been largely organic, driven by word-of-mouth referrals. Father Schirripa intentionally avoids using social media to promote the group, preferring to maintain a local focus. “People bring their roommates. Their roommates bring their friends. You know, just as the apostles did it,” explained Tim Smyth Jr., a second-year student at Modern England School of Law.

South Boston’s Changing Demographics

The growth of this young adult Catholic group is occurring within a rapidly changing neighborhood. South Boston, once known for its strong Irish Catholic identity, is now attracting young urban professionals drawn to its proximity to the Financial District and its increasing number of renovated homes and luxury apartments. Notably, South Boston is projected to have zero high schools by June 2026, indicating a shift towards a younger, single-adult population, a demographic often less connected to traditional religious institutions.

A Yearning for Truth and Directness

Members of the group consistently praise Father Schirripa’s direct and compassionate approach to teaching. “He gives it to you straight,” said John Donnelly, a construction project manager. “He doesn’t beat around the bush, yet he does it in a very compassionate way.” Lindsey Hoggins, who began attending the group in February 2023, noted that Father Schirripa addresses challenging moral topics – including abortion, contraception, homosexuality, gender identity, and nonmarital sex – without watering down Church teachings. Surprisingly, she found that addressing these challenging topics actually increased engagement, with attendees expressing a desire for honesty and a deeper understanding of their faith.

More Than Just Religion

The group emphasizes both spiritual growth and social connection. Meetings include opportunities for socializing, with a relaxed atmosphere featuring drinks and conversation before and after Father Schirripa’s talk. Following the weekly meetings, many attendees gather at a local bar, The Playwright, where they are known for their polite and respectful demeanor, according to the bar’s assistant general manager, John Carbonneau, who described them as “super, super, polite. nicest people in the world” and “They’re Christians.”

Finding Purpose and Community

Several participants shared that they were drawn to the group by a desire for a sense of community and grounding they had previously lacked. Caitlin Costello, who started attending in November 2024, said she had missed the strong Catholic faith she experienced in her family. Billy Hufnagle, a software engineer who had drifted away from the Church during college, described the group as the way “God brought him back to Himself,” providing him with joy and a renewed sense of faith. He stated the group was “the consolation that I needed to keep coming back.”

A Sign of Hope

The success of the young adult group at Gate of Heaven Parish suggests a potential for revitalization within the Catholic Church, even amidst broader trends of declining religious affiliation among young adults. The group’s emphasis on truth, community, and intellectual engagement appears to be resonating with a generation seeking something deeper than what mainstream society offers.