Eastern College Of Health Vocations

Latest Eastern College Of Health Vocations News

I should mention here that the attrition in religious priests, brothers and sisters, as well as diocesan priests, results not only from deaths and a dearth of priestly or religious vocations but also from massive defections. Naturally, this exodus also has a depressing effect on young men and women who might be called to the religious life. The radical change or abandonment of historical rules, community life, and clothing by many religious congregations also hampers recruitment and in many cases discourages perseverance in vocations. As a result, there are now many more American women religious over the age of ninety than under the age of 30. The number of Catholic nuns — 180,000 in 1965 — has fallen by 60%, and their average age is now 68. The number of teaching nuns has fallen 94% from the close of the Council. The number of young men studying to become members of the two principal teaching orders — the Jesuits and Christian Brothers — has fallen by 90 percent and 99%, respectively. There is little sign of revival in this part of the Church in America. However, the advent of some new religious congregations and the revival of others offers hope.