Priestly ordinations in the United States have shown a modest rise at the same time more adults and teens are entering the Catholic Church — a pairing that is stirring hope for future vocations.
vocations
Anchored In Prayer, Local Vocations Committee Tackles Priest Shortage
At Our Lady of Hope Church, parishioners are working to solve the Catholic Church’s shortage of priests one prayer at a time. The Vocations Committee leads a parish-wide effort to pray for vocations — an endeavor that lasts throughout the year.
Missionaries Transform World by Transforming Lives, Pope Says
Being a missionary means bringing the Gospel and its values into the world and transforming the lives of individuals, which can and must transform societies, Pope Leo XIV said.
Pope Leo XIV Praises Women’s Religious Orders for Courage, Generosity
In its religious orders, the Catholic Church has an array of strong, courageous and generous women who care for the poor, defend peace and share the Gospel message of salvation in Christ, Pope Leo XIV said.
‘Nuns on the Run’ Case in Austria Highlights Plight of Aging, Dwindling Religious
Three elderly women religious in Austria fled their nursing home and have returned to their longtime monastery, defying church superiors in a case that highlights the impact of Vatican regulations regarding aging members of dwindling religious congregations.
New York Archdiocese Sees Hundreds of Responses To ‘Called by Name’ Program
Close to 800 young men from the Archdiocese of New York have responded to a call for interest in the priestly life, according to the archdiocese’s director of vocations.
Archdiocese of NY Gets Parishioners Involved in Search for New Priests
Faced with declining numbers of vocations, the Archdiocese of New York started a new initiative, Called by Name, in which parishioners were asked to nominate men they think would make good priests.
Oldest Religious Sister in World Has Years Of Wisdom With Dash of Humor
This religious sister has nothing to prove, especially now that she is the world’s oldest.
Sister Gladys Champions Faith and Education Amid Declining Vocations
The presence of a nun like Sister Gladys in front of a classroom is becoming a rare sight. As the number of nuns in the United States has dwindled, so too has the number of nuns teaching in Catholic schools.
Priests, Sisters Inspire Young Catholics During Diocesan Vocation Fair
The Youth Holy Hour and Vocation Fair on March 21 was the second time in 2025 that youth from throughout the diocese gave up their Friday night for a standing-room-only event with Bishop Brennan.