Sisters not an 'endangered species'

by Christine Schenk

View Author Profile

Join the Conversation

Send your thoughts to Letters to the Editor. Learn more

I was deeply inspired by a recent interview of young Catholic sisters who are entering religious communities at a time when some wonder if this lifestyle is doomed to extinction.

Worldwide there are about 670,000 Catholic sisters, but there are 75 percent fewer U.S. sisters today compared to 1965, when 180,000 sisters were serving in Catholic schools and hospitals. Today, 45,605 serve in more diverse ministries, and many are well into their wisdom years. Still, over 1,000 U.S. women are preparing to become sisters right now, and over 200 women and men profess perpetual vows annually.

Read the full story at National Catholic Reporter.