- Feb 5, 2002
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Seminarian enrollment in the United States has been on a decadeslong decline as fewer young men seek out the priesthood and the number of active priests in the U.S. continues to dwindle. But some dioceses are reporting a notable surge in enrollment, signaling a potential turnaround in some regions.
Annual data from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University, released in June of this year,showed “a continuation of relatively slow long-term decline” in priestly vocations at the pre-theology and theology levels, falling from over 6,400 men in 1970 to 2,759 in the most recent academic year.
Similar sharp drops have been observed in both college- and high school-level seminarian enrollment over the same time period. In recent years the decline in priests and seminarians has been observed globally as well.
Yet some seminary and diocesan officials told CNA that the number of seminarians they have in training for the priesthood has increased in recent years.
Continued below.
Annual data from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University, released in June of this year,showed “a continuation of relatively slow long-term decline” in priestly vocations at the pre-theology and theology levels, falling from over 6,400 men in 1970 to 2,759 in the most recent academic year.
Similar sharp drops have been observed in both college- and high school-level seminarian enrollment over the same time period. In recent years the decline in priests and seminarians has been observed globally as well.
Yet some seminary and diocesan officials told CNA that the number of seminarians they have in training for the priesthood has increased in recent years.
Continued below.
Some U.S. seminaries report surge in enrollments
What’s driving localized spikes in seminarian enrollment, and can it be replicated elsewhere?
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