VOCATIONS TO RELIGIOUS LIFE FACT SHEET

VOCATIONS TO RELIGIOUS LIFE FACT SHEET

Prepared by the NRVC, February 2013

GENERAL INFORMATION

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Survey estimates suggest that as many as 350,000 never married men and 250,000

never married women have seriously considered becoming a priest, sister, or brother.

Those of the millennial generation (born after 1982) are even more likely than the

generation before them to consider a vocation. Surveys also suggest that those entering

religious life today are a little younger than those who were entering ten years ago.

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People who attend a Catholic school, know a priest, sister, or brother, or who have

been invited by a priest, sister, or brother to enter the priesthood or religious life are

more likely to consider seriously a religious vocation.

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Some religious institutes continue to attract and few are experiencing significant

growth. About 20 percent of religious institutes have more than five members in

formation.

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Those coming to religious life today tend to be optimistic in their outlook, toler

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ant of differences among people, and positive in their attitudes toward authority. They

believe religious life will persevere.

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In 2009 there were over 2,600 men and women in religious formation in the

United States. There are more men preparing to be religious priests and brothers

(more than half) than there are women preparing to be sisters (less than half). The

retention rate is 50% (it is higher for women than men).

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The “face” of religious life is changing in the U.S. Compared to finally professed

members who are 94% white Caucasian, newer entrants are more likely to be non-

Caucasian: 21% are Hispanic/Latino/a; 14% are Asian or Pacific Islander and 6% are

African, Black, or African American.

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Newer entrants are well educated. About 70% have at least a bachelor’s degree

upon entrance. However, one third of applicants have at least $20,000 in educational

debt when they enter, an increasing financial burden for the communities that receive

them.

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Religious institutes are more likely to attract newer members if they have a strong

Catholic identity, if they are hopeful about their future, if their members live together

in community, and if they have a structured prayer life.

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Although newer members desire ministry (70% were already involved in full or

part-time ministry prior to entrance), their primary reasons for coming to religious life

are a sense of call, a desire to deepen their prayer and spiritual life, and a desire to live

with others who share their faith and values.

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Approximately 160 women and men professed perpetual vows in religious life in

2012. About 110 of these newly professed were sisters and nuns