Are clergy numbers on the decline?

Glendale News-Press, Saturday, September 23, 2006

The percentage of new clergy younger than 35, across mainline denominations, including Protestant and Roman Catholic, is reportedly dropping, according to a recent study by the Lewis Center for Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary. Are you seeing a drop in your faith? If so, what do you think is driving it? Are you concerned?

Religious vocations in the Catholic Church have dropped dramatically in the past 35 years. Cultural changes of the '60s, no doubt contributed to a lack of interest in religious life. Ideals like self-sacrifice, chastity and spiritual searching diminished in the hearts and lifestyles of those once attracted to a life of ministerial service.

The '60s were also years of sweeping change within the Church. The Second Vatican Council ushered in a new era, where many Catholics realized that the work of the Church was not reserved for religious priests, sisters and brothers alone. One of the most exciting facets of the Church over the past generation or so is the involvement of lay people in ministry. Most Catholic parishes now have a whole army of individuals that visit the infirmed, feed the poor, evangelize the young, prepare couples for marriage and so on.

Even with the assistance of so many and qualified lay ministers, the Church needs ordained ministers and men and women religious to continue the mission of Jesus in the world.

I believe there is a hunger in young people that can find ultimate fulfillment in committed religious life. Young people need to be encouraged to consider such a possibility and need to witness through the example of family and church members alike the joy of serving others.

Difficult in a consumeristic world, yes, but the rewards are everlasting.

FATHER PAUL J. HRUBY

Pastor

Church of the Incarnation