Pathways to Religious Life

The history of religious life in the Catholic Church has been filled with change: periods of membership growth and decline, shifts in the types of ministries, and changes in the ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds of the men and women who join. Today, as the numbers of new members diminish, some say that the very future of religious life is in jeopardy. What is the state of religious life in the United States today? Which institutes are increasing in membership andwhich are decreasing or ceasing to exist? From what ethnic and socioeconomic populations are they drawing their members? What new religious institutes and ecclesial movements are being founded and how successful are they? What influences a young man or woman to consider religious life today? How arereligious from other countries shaping religious life here as they come to the US to minister?Many of these questions can be addressed by data from studies of religious life in the US which the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) has conducted over the last ten years. The impact of the individual's family dynamics and educational experience before their entrance into religious life is examined here, as well as the influence of an increasing number of Catholic volunteer programs. The emergence of lay associates in religious institutes and the birth of new religiousinstitutes since Vatican Council II in the United States are investigated as new ways of living religious life. The increase in the number of sisters and priests studying and ministering in the United States from other countries is examined for its impact on religious life. The authors' findings yieldvaluable recommendations for religious institutes and vocation directors who wish to attract new members.

For anyone who is curious about changes in Catholic religious institutes of women and men, Pathways to Religious Life is a treasure-trove, and its breadth and depth make it appealing and worthwhile for many readers. ... The book not only provides considerable insight into the Catholic Church, but also reveals a significant vision of the role and effects of religion in the United States. I find it to be a valuable resource and I highly recommend it., During a time when discussions about vocations to religious life meet with either heated debate or eerie silence, the CARA authors offer clear and well-reasoned research on what encourages and discourages young women and men in their discernment process. The leadership of religious orders will be both challenged and consoled by their thoughtful research and wise recommendations. Pathways to Religious Life offers us critical insights into the multiple factors forming and shaping the decision of hundreds of young people each year to seek a life of consecrated service in the church in the United States today., Pathways to Religious Life helps readers find reasons for hope in the future of religious life as it navigates contemporary studies and statistics on vocations in the US. A must-read for anyone working in vocation or young adult ministry or concerned about ensuring the continued legacy of Catholic religious sisters, brothers, and priests., More than any other research in recent decades, Pathways to Religious Life makes available indispensable information about generating vocations to the religious life and priesthood. This readable and valuable book examines more than a decade of studies that explain the major influences shaping vocational choices, from family and parish, to education and beyond. It also offers a series of vital reflective questions to guide those responsible for sustaining vocation ministry. Moreover, it will enlighten and encourage all Catholics concerned about future leadership and service in the church, especially parents of young people who might be considering religious life.

Father Thomas P. Gaunt, S.J. is the Executive Director of the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate. Prior to CARA, he served in Jesuit governance as the Socius/Executive Secretary of the Jesuit Conference for nine years and the Formation and Studies Director of the Maryland and New York Jesuits for seven years. After ordination, he spent ten years as a pastor and as Director of Planning in the Diocese of Charlotte. Father Gaunt is actively involved withthe L'Arche Communities in Washington, DC.