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Pathways to Religious Life

Online ISBN:
9780190878184
Print ISBN:
9780190878153
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Book

Pathways to Religious Life

Thomas P. Gaunt, SJ (ed.)
Thomas P. Gaunt, SJ
(ed.)

Exectuive Director

Exectuive Director, CARA, Georgetown University
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Published online:
23 August 2018
Published in print:
25 October 2018
Online ISBN:
9780190878184
Print ISBN:
9780190878153
Publisher:
Oxford University Press

Abstract

The history of religious life in the Catholic Church of the U.S. is filled with change: periods of growth and decline, changes of ministries, and differences in the ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds of those who joined them. Yet as the numbers of new members diminish, some say that the future of religious life is in jeopardy. What is the state of religious life in the U.S. today? Which institutes are increasing in number and which are decreasing or ceasing to exist? From what ethnic and socioeconomic populations are they drawing their members? What new religious institutes are being founded and how successful are they? What influences a young person to consider religious life today? How are religious from other countries shaping religious life as they come to the U.S. to minister? Many of these questions are addressed by data from CARA studies of religious life conducted over the last ten years. The impact of an individual’s family dynamics and educational experience before entering religious life is examined, as well as the influence of an increasing number of Catholic volunteer programs. The emergence of lay associates and the birth of new religious institutes since Vatican Council II is investigated as new ways of living religious life. The increase in the number of sisters and priests studying and ministering in the U.S. from other countries is examined for its impact on religious life. In conclusion, recommendations are made for religious institutes and vocation directors who wish to attract new members.

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