Why are some women’s religious orders dying while others are booming?

Is there a 'vocations crisis' in women's religious life?​

Catholic media outlets frequently herald the vocations crisis, bewailing that young men and women are not becoming priests and religious sisters anymore.

In reality, the situation is more nuanced. Some dioceses are struggling with low numbers of priests, while others are blessed with many young men entering seminary.



The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia pray vespers. Courtesy photo.

Male religious communities are similarly divided, with some like the Dominicans and Jesuits reporting solid numbers, while others like the Franciscans and Augustinians adjusting their strategies in an attempt to engage more young men.

But what about women?

With more than 500 women’s religious communities in the U.S., many report they have not had new vocations in years.

But others do see women enter, raising a critical question: What draws young women to religious life, and to particular communities?

History and numbers​

Continued below.

‘God is constantly calling’ — Women religious talk vocations

Is there a 'vocations crisis' in women's religious life?

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