In a surprising turn of events, Jeremy-Marie Joly has traded his engineering aspirations for a vocation in the priesthood, a decision that has left his family and friends in Gatineau, Quebec, astounded. In a society where sports often take precedence over spirituality, Joly’s path towards the seminary in Montreal marks a notable shift in a landscape that has seen dwindling church attendance for decades. Yet, as he embarks on this spiritual journey, some Catholic parishes are witnessing a resurgence of interest from younger generations.
A Life Transformed
Growing up in a sports-centric family with six brothers, Joly was immersed in hockey and college soccer, balancing athletic pursuits with a manual labour job in Alberta. However, a burgeoning sense of purpose led him to abandon his engineering studies in favour of theological training. “They saw it as, I won’t have my brother beside me to live this life that we imagine, where you have your own kids,” Joly reflected on his family’s initial reaction to his decision.
Joly’s choice to become a priest is rare in 2026, yet he finds himself amidst an unexpected revival. “We live in a world where money is really important and we tend to ignore the dignity of many people just on the corner of the street,” he explained during an interview at Montreal’s Grand Séminaire, where he currently resides and studies. His spiritual awakening stemmed from profound questions about love and existence, leading him to the conclusion that true love is epitomised by self-sacrifice, as illustrated by Jesus on the cross.
Renewed Interest in the Catholic Faith
Rev. Robert Gauthier, who heads the Grand Séminaire, noted that the number of priests in training has significantly dwindled, from hundreds in the 1960s to just 10 to 12 at present, with only two ordinations per year. The seminary’s relocation six years ago to a modest former convent in the Rosemont-Petite-Patrie borough has not dampened Gauthier’s optimism. He observes a growing trend of church attendance across Quebec, with some parishes reporting hundreds of congregants every Sunday.
In March, over 300 adults, many of them young, congregated at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral for a meeting focused on confirmation and full communion—a positive sign of engagement in the faith community. Gauthier commented, “There’s a movement, there’s something that’s happening.”
The Changing Face of Worship
The Cathédrale Saint-Jean-l’Évangéliste in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu has also experienced a surge in attendance, with weekly masses drawing between 450 and 500 worshippers. Isabelle Brulotte, who oversees the church, attributed this increase to a collective yearning for connection amidst the upheaval of recent global events. “People feel a need to believe, to gather, to get together,” she remarked.
In response to the evolving needs of its congregation, churches are adapting their services to appeal to younger audiences. This includes music-centric gospel services and cultural events, such as Montreal Canadiens watch parties, which create a welcoming atmosphere. Brulotte believes that a new generation of priests is making religious services more relatable, fostering an environment where young people feel comfortable.
Navigating the Future of the Priesthood
While the rise in attendance is encouraging, Rev. Gauthier acknowledges the challenges ahead. Although he has seen an uptick in inquiries from potential candidates, the rigorous training—lasting up to seven years and encompassing philosophy and theology studies—means that not all who express interest will complete the journey. “Not everyone can or should pursue a life that requires candidates to be ‘poor, chaste and obedient,'” he cautioned.
Gauthier emphasises the importance of finding the right candidates, stating, “My goal as a rector isn’t to fill the seminary, but rather to find and guide candidates.” Notably, the average age of those training to become priests has risen to 37, with many coming from diverse professional backgrounds.
For Joly, the journey has just begun. Having completed his studies, he has now been ordained as a transitional deacon. His next steps involve providing pastoral care, particularly to the sick, as he continues on the path to becoming a fully ordained priest. Despite initial concerns from his family, he has cultivated a close bond with his nieces and nephews, even preparing to baptise four of them.
Why it Matters
Joly’s transformation from aspiring engineer to priest reflects a broader cultural shift within Quebec, where younger individuals are rediscovering faith and community in the Catholic Church. This resurgence is not merely about filling pews; it signifies a deeper quest for meaning in a world increasingly marked by uncertainty. As churches adapt to meet the evolving needs of their congregants, the enduring power of faith may yet play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Quebec society.
