Media Kit
Vinea Research equips Catholic organizations with clear, actionable insight
Vinea Research is a Catholic market research firm conducting commissioned quantitative and qualitative studies to help organizations better understand the people they serve.
We partner with dioceses, apostolates, and mission-driven organizations to uncover insights that strengthen outreach, clarify messaging, and drive more effective engagement.
Our work also includes The Catholic Pulse, a national research initiative reflecting the same rigorous methodology we bring to client partnerships.
67% of Catholics who have not been to Confession in the past year are open to returning.
Whether through custom studies or national research initiatives, Vinea helps organizations move from assumptions to clarity.
Download key information about Vinea Research.
Catholic Belief in the Real Presence
In 2019, Pew Research Center released a study with the headline, “Just one-third of U.S. Catholics agree with their church that Eucharist is body, blood of Christ.” Naturally, this caused much concern among Catholic leadership, sparking discussions that ultimately led to the creation of the 10th National Eucharist Congress.
The Impact of COVID-19 on U.S. Catholics
In a new study that analyzed the effects of the pandemic on Catholic individuals, their faith lives, parishes, and future intentions, results included both positive and negative outcomes. One of the significant negative outcomes being that Mass attendance has decreased and is not expected to be back to pre-pandemic levels by the summer of 2022. A positive outcome indicated that nearly half of Catholics surveyed stated that their overall faith in God is better, reporting increased levels of gratitude.
Latest Reports
The Catholic Pulse Report: The Confession Study
A first-of-its-kind national study finds that most Catholics who have stepped away from Confession haven’t given up on it. Among 1,500 U.S. Catholics surveyed in 2026, 67% of those who haven’t been in the past year say they are open to returning, with roughly half wanting to go more often. Findings from The Catholic Pulse Report: The Confession Study, conducted by Vinea Research Group, show that distance from Confession is driven more by hesitation, uncertainty, and lack of habit than by disbelief or rejection. The study goes beyond participation rates to explore what draws Catholics to the sacrament, what keeps them away, and the spiritual impact it has on their lives.
Catholic Intentional Discipleship in the U.S.
Vinea Research collaborated with DeSales Media to conduct a survey of 3,323 self-identified Catholics across the U.S. in order to learn more about devout Catholics who have a disposition for discipleship. The ultimate goal of the survey is to better serve these people in order to help engaged Catholics live and share their faith on a deeper level. An interesting finding is that many respondents expressed a great deal of interest in developing their evangelization skills, but we saw a large need for education and resources to help with evangelization.
Meet the Founder
Hans Plate is the Founder and President of Vinea Research. With more than 25 years of experience providing professional market research to industry-leading companies such as Pfizer and Medtronic, Hans felt compelled to apply proven business-based research methods in service to the Church. Combining his market research expertise with his devout Catholic beliefs, Hans leads a team at Vinea Research to provide high-caliber, action-oriented market research to parishes, Church leadership, apostolates, and advocacy groups. Hans resides in northeast Maryland with his wife and five daughters.
Suggested Interview Questions
What inspired Vinea Research Group to launch the Catholic Pulse Report, and why begin with Confession?
What did this study examine that other surveys usually miss, and why does that matter?
Your study highlights God’s mercy as the primary reason Catholics are drawn to Confession–why is that finding significant?
What are the biggest barriers that keep Catholics from going to Confession today?
One of the more hopeful findings is that many Catholics want to return to Confession–what do you think is behind that openness?
How can pastors and Church leaders use these findings in practical ways at the parish level?
What is your vision for the Catholic Pulse Report over time, and what it could become for the Church?
Where can people go to download the full report and stay apprised of future studies?
Media Coverage
The Catholic Pulse Report: The Confession Study
Catholic Belief in the Real Presence?
Covid-19 Report on Catholics
The Catholic Morning Show with Jon Leonetti (starts at 17:08)
Catholic Connection with Teresa Tomeo
Driving Home the Faith with Fr. Rob Jack
Notre Dame’s Church Life Today
Wake Up! with Gaby Smith, Damian Calato, and Alicia Quibodeaux (starts at 14:12)
Smart Catholics Mastermind Podcast with Dominic de Souza
Aleteia Article: Study finds too many Catholics “accustomed to not being in church”
Media Requests
Contact Carrie Kline at carriek@missionadvancementpartners.com for interview requests.
Endorsements
“Vinea Research brings a unique combination of love for the Church, an embracing of Pope John Paul II’s call to a “new evangelization,” and a strategic and action-oriented approach to market research. This combination will give us greater insights into our many stakeholders and help us achieve our mission of equipping college students to embrace Christ, become disciples, and evangelize others with greater efficacy. We are excited to see what God will continue to do for FOCUS in and through Vinea Research.”
— Craig Miller, President, Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS)
“Data Informs Everything We Do”
“Let’s Dig Deeper”
“We Need to Be Intentional”
“Confront It With Facts”
“Knowing the Smell of Your Sheep”
“Speaking Directly to the People We Are Interested In”
“Invest in Research”
“Understand the Context for Ministry”
“Bridging the Gap”
