The CARA Report on Vocation
The study, “Recent Vocations to Religious Life: A Report for the National Religious Vocation Conference,” was conducted by the well-respected Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University and published in August 2009. The study concluded:
The most successful institutes in terms of attracting and retaining new members at this time are those that follow a more traditional style of religious life in which members live together in community and participate in daily Eucharist, pray the Divine Office, and engage in devotional practices together. They also wear a religious habit, work together in common apostolates, and are explicit about their fidelity to the Church and the teachings of the Magisterium. All of these characteristics are especially attractive to the young people who are entering religious life today.
The study found several “best practices” for recruiting new members: involving membership and leadership in concerted vocation promotion efforts, having a full-time vocation director, using new media like the Internet, offering discernment or “come-and-see” opportunities for potential members, and exposing young people to the idea of religious life from grade school through young adulthood.
Source: Excerpt from the Catholic World Report
Tags: CARA, Passionists, Traditional, Vocation
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Abeth on -
Interesting empirical information. The BIG IRONY is that while religious orders are desperately scrambling to survive due to the lack of membership through restructuring or reconfiguration, etc... yet they appear VERY CYNICAL to the ways and means which these empirical data warrant or strongly suggest and instead stubbornly insist on their so-called newly devised techniques and strategy which for years now have proven faulty and ineffective. The Passionists, I think, are at the center of this Cynicism. The attitude of "we are desperately in need of new members... but well...." should be looked into seriously. For example, I think one of the most berated factors, many Passionists disdain wearing their Habits based on COWARDLY PRESUMPTIONS LIKE that it signifies CONSERVATISM, that is outdated expression of spirituality, AND RELIGIOUS ELITISM. STOP HIDING BEHIND THIS UNFOUNDED RUMORS AND COME OUT, BE YOURSELF. TELL PEOPLE WHAT YOU ARE WEARING, THAT IT REPRESENT NOT JUST YOU BUT THE CHARISM OF PAUL FO THE CROSS, DO JUSTICE TO WHAT YOU HAVE SIGNED UP FOR. DO NOT BE AFRAID. Not intended to offend anyone, just saying. Thank you.
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Permalink Reply by Lukas Andrzejewski on -
It is hard to find better words, than thous just have been written. It is true that “cucullus non facit monachum” - means that habit non makes religious, but for others it is sign of our identity. We try to find methods of changing something in our life style but I think we do it in totally wrong way. OK, it's also true that sometimes all of us think that everything begin with us, but it isn't. Without respect for our history, traditions, charism, who will we be?
We are speaking about the world's changes, and that we have to change our-selfs to be “compatibility” with contemporary world. But I think it is only our imagination and some attempt at making our life better for us, not for others. The only acceptable way if we really want to steel be passionist not only by name, is to turn to our sources – I mean St. Paul of the cross, Rule etc.
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Permalink Reply by Philippe Plet on -
Behind these external signs of a more "traditional" way of life return, there is an authentic aspiration to realize a close relationship with God and to live a very vertical faith. "World" is only "action" ! And it can conceive the concept of "life" but as a pure movement, and no more. Of course, there can't be like that for the life of soul !
It's urgent to re-establish a strong vertical dimension in consecrated life, which doesn't exclude concrete contacts, but yet which is prior, as well as "preferential option for poor people".
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Permalink Reply by Enno Dango on -
I read somehwere "A business with no sign is sign of no business." Thank you Abeth for your response. Disdain is probably a very strong word. But, personally I think there are some facts that may substantiate to that. I know you are only citing one of the many examples, but I agree Habit wearing is very good example. I don't know if you are a Passionist yourself or not but you seem to have a good almost accurate internal info of how many Passionist communities live nowadays. Yes, it's very rare that Passionists wear habits nowadays, not even at community liturgies or other Passionist assemblies. Honestly, there seems to be more visibility of these habits at Passionist wakes and funeral services, than anywhere else. Thank you for the challenge, what are you are suggesting I guess is to give deeper reflection on a Passionist's relationship with his habit. Does a Passionist feel it is, first of all, an outward or external expression or does it display or reflect his relationship with the habit; what it does to him? Secondly, our civilization is very visual, signs and symbols are everywhere to point people to what they represent. Signs and symbols are almost synonymous to Catholicism, we love signs and symbols, in fact in many ways we infuse or even elevate some of these signs as sacramentals for they become sacred receptacles or communicators of the mysteries of our faith. I strongly believe the Passionists too need to gradually rediscover the value of our signs so that where actions may be scarce these signs may communicate the substance by which they represent. Yes, it is a choice for us Passionists, while we are informed what constitutes first attraction to vocations prospects nowadays as reported by the empirical data, we can either reflect on it and see what we can do or ignore it totally or be cynical to it. But again, the habit is just one layer, perhaps the outermost but integral to the whole, I think there is also community life (which unfortunately is dwindling and soon disappearing), ministry (Passionists are also disappearing, thanks to the dedicated laity who collaborates and perhaps eventually continues the Passionist heritage) which I think should continue to demonstrate who and what the Passionists stand for. Again, where Passionist actions are dimming or scarce or almost invisible, I agree we need to reflect on our signs: first of all our personal relationship with them, and secondly, their impact on others. Thank you.
Abeth said:Interesting empirical information. The BIG IRONY is that while religious orders are desperately scrambling to survive due to the lack of membership through restructuring or reconfiguration, etc... yet they appear VERY CYNICAL to the ways and means which these empirical data warrant or strongly suggest and instead stubbornly insist on their so-called newly devised techniques and strategy which for years now have proven faulty and ineffective. The Passionists, I think, are at the center of this Cynicism. The attitude of "we are desperately in need of new members... but well...." should be looked into seriously. For example, I think one of the most berated factors, many Passionists disdain wearing their Habits based on COWARDLY PRESUMPTIONS LIKE that it signifies CONSERVATISM, that is outdated expression of spirituality, AND RELIGIOUS ELITISM. STOP HIDING BEHIND THIS UNFOUNDED RUMORS AND COME OUT, BE YOURSELF. TELL PEOPLE WHAT YOU ARE WEARING, THAT IT REPRESENT NOT JUST YOU BUT THE CHARISM OF PAUL FO THE CROSS, DO JUSTICE TO WHAT YOU HAVE SIGNED UP FOR. DO NOT BE AFRAID. Not intended to offend anyone, just saying. Thank you.
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Permalink Reply by Jeff on
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Please understand, I think wearing religious garb especially when we are working is a good thing. But as for the attraction of the more traditional orders, I think there could be another explanation. Could it possibly be that our leadership has been very Traditionalist and very intolerant of more progressive vision for thrity years? This Traditional approach is the dominant image of the Church. Therefore, it seems to me that is why more Traditional minded candidates are attracted to priesthood and religious life and therefore to those communities that reflect what they think is the Church. The trouble is, there are not enough young people in the first world who would be attracted to that. So, USA born Catholics are leaving the Church; those who remain are not entering seminaries, or religious houses and we are closing parishes, schools, and aging clergy speak to older generations (their own generations mainly) and even the younger Traditionalists do not resonate and attract
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Permalink Reply by Abeth on
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Hear ya!, Jeff, but I think we need to broaden the nuance of the word "Traditional," which you have mentioned. I think it is one of the words that progressives have almost successfully demonized, but personally I have always tried to beg to disagree to this blanket perception. I think what preserves the Catholic Church is its very dynamic relationship or adherence to its tradition as it traverse history. Funny because the word itself signifies active or dynamic as opposed to its negative imputation as static. We have councils, chapters, and other "aggiornamenti" meetings in order to constantly reflect what our tradition/s mean or can be applied meaningfully to our present context. I think what the CARA survey has discovered, in regards to vocation, is that the attraction which gravitates young people nowadays does not necessarily refer to a certain static ancient deposit of tradition, but rather they are attracted to how Church Tradition has demonstrated consistency amidst the fast changing relativism of modernity. Yes, we think that all young people love modernity, new gadgets, etc, but they too get tired of the speed by which things have evolved, in short they're tired and fed-up with it, they feel bored. Many of them thirst for moral consistency, something which can stand the test of time, like the image of loving parents or family to or with whom they can go home to when studies or life outside seem challenging, there is always a place of solace for them. SO does the Church, a place of refuge for many. I think this is what gravitates Young people nowadays, according to my opinion. We therefore have to be careful when using the word "TRADITION," context is good to consider. Thanks.
Jeff said:Please understand, I think wearing religious garb especially when we are working is a good thing. But as for the attraction of the more traditional orders, I think there could be another explanation. Could it possibly be that our leadership has been very Traditionalist and very intolerant of more progressive vision for thrity years? This Traditional approach is the dominant image of the Church. Therefore, it seems to me that is why more Traditional minded candidates are attracted to priesthood and religious life and therefore to those communities that reflect what they think is the Church. The trouble is, there are not enough young people in the first world who would be attracted to that. So, USA born Catholics are leaving the Church; those who remain are not entering seminaries, or religious houses and we are closing parishes, schools, and aging clergy speak to older generations (their own generations mainly) and even the younger Traditionalists do not resonate and attract
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Permalink Reply by Jeff on
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Thanks for replying Abeth, now I'll return the courtesy. Please forget the labels,I know I invited it but my point was simply there are not enough young people who want to shelter themselves from the current reality. I agree that the CARA report may be showing us that we are attracting young people who want to avoid a changing world. But avoiding change doesn't mean changes aren't continuing. Claiming consistency isn't necessarily a good thing if the consistency isn't working. I think you are saying and if so I agree, that the universal ingredient and force which permeates all life--namely change--is changing all the faster, and this means it will become more and more necessary for each of us to be more resilient and flexible, more spontaneous in dealing with the new and unforseen, and it will be less and less easy to find security and stability by just adopting (T)traditional customs and ideas and attitudes of the past. Yes, some realitively few young men and women are looking for that sanctuary where they can resist the reality of time marching on and the changes in the world happening with or without them. Even so, and even if it were possible to turn our backs and deny, their numbers aren't enough to keep up the mission Jesus gave the Church, to evangelize and grow the Kingdom. I think we can argue all day about almost anything (like attire) but that isn't getting on with the project. It is a magnificent, constantly changing world, and if we are going to face the rapidly changing world about us without overpowering fear but with a sense of integrity and purpose we need to attract the vast numbers of young people who we are missing. I don't think we need to be so happy about attracting young people who are "bored" by new technology; the church always has and always will attract those who avoid the competitive world. We need the valiant brave hearts who will take on the world in the world and lead into the future and not pretend we can go back. Wow! Sorry if I went over the top! I just got on a roll! But reading it, I know it is what I think.
Abeth said:
Hear ya!, Jeff, but I think we need to broaden the nuance of the word "Traditional," which you have mentioned. I think it is one of the words that progressives have almost successfully demonized, but personally I have always tried to beg to disagree to this blanket perception. I think what preserves the Catholic Church is its very dynamic relationship or adherence to its tradition as it traverse history. Funny because the word itself signifies active or dynamic as opposed to its negative imputation as static. We have councils, chapters, and other "aggiornamenti" meetings in order to constantly reflect what our tradition/s mean or can be applied meaningfully to our present context. I think what the CARA survey has discovered, in regards to vocation, is that the attraction which gravitates young people nowadays does not necessarily refer to a certain static ancient deposit of tradition, but rather they are attracted to how Church Tradition has demonstrated consistency amidst the fast changing relativism of modernity. Yes, we think that all young people love modernity, new gadgets, etc, but they too get tired of the speed by which things have evolved, in short they're tired and fed-up with it, they feel bored. Many of them thirst for moral consistency, something which can stand the test of time, like the image of loving parents or family to or with whom they can go home to when studies or life outside seem challenging, there is always a place of solace for them. SO does the Church, a place of refuge for many. I think this is what gravitates Young people nowadays, according to my opinion. We therefore have to be careful when using the word "TRADITION," context is good to consider. Thanks.
Jeff said:Please understand, I think wearing religious garb especially when we are working is a good thing. But as for the attraction of the more traditional orders, I think there could be another explanation. Could it possibly be that our leadership has been very Traditionalist and very intolerant of more progressive vision for thrity years? This Traditional approach is the dominant image of the Church. Therefore, it seems to me that is why more Traditional minded candidates are attracted to priesthood and religious life and therefore to those communities that reflect what they think is the Church. The trouble is, there are not enough young people in the first world who would be attracted to that. So, USA born Catholics are leaving the Church; those who remain are not entering seminaries, or religious houses and we are closing parishes, schools, and aging clergy speak to older generations (their own generations mainly) and even the younger Traditionalists do not resonate and attract
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Permalink Reply by James Funaro on
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Great thread and some great responses!
May I ask a question? What is the future for the Passionists? From the responses above, the situation seems pretty grim. Like many orders and congregations, it seems that there will not be enough vocations to survive as a community.
I am only a confraternity member, not a religious, so if I am talking out of turn, please forgive me, but IMHO, I have to agree with those that believe the Passionists must stay close to their origins and be true to their founders charism if they are to survive. That includes living the traditional life their founder meant for them and wearing the habit he envisioned for them. The habit is especially a must in a world that has so little exposure to the religious and the lives they lead. How can you transform the world when people don't know who you are and what you represent? The habit gives people pause to think about God and their faith, even if only for a minute. I'm sure many people would love to start up a conversation with a religious to, if only they ever saw one.
While doing these things is certainly not a guarantee, I think it is the best chance they have. I see lay people and confraternity members that deeply love and are devoted to St. Paul of the Cross and his message of preaching Christ Crucified, so it would be most troubling to think that those religious members of the congregation are not, as some of you think here. His charism, his life and his message is what draws lay people to this community, so it would seem that that is what would draw vocations in too. St. Paul of the Cross, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, gave birth to this congregation to serve a very specific purpose, so to move away from that would mean losing the guidance and support of the Holy Spirit, would it not? Is that what we are perhaps seeing? We would lose our reason for being and the Holy spirit would take the vocations that would have come here, and use them somewhere else to serve the Church.
Maybe we need to meditate and ask St. Paul of the Cross what he thinks of the state of his congregation and what would he do to keep it alive and thriving. Afterall, he went through much tougher times and jumped many hurdles to give birth to this congregation, didn't he?
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Permalink Reply by Nancy Nickel on
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I'm finding this discussion quite interesting as a lay person who works with the Passionists. My perspective is that of someone who grew up the late 50's and 60's and witnessed the unfolding of Vatican II. What I know from my own experience is that many people left the Church during that time, or questioned their allegiance to her, when the symbol, the outward expressions of our faith seemed to become disconnected from the heart, the spirit, the essential message of Jesus himself. Today, I love seeing the Passionists in their habits and feel a reverence for what it represents, but the spirit of the charism transcends even the habit, of course. One might wonder -- does wearing the habit encourage a deeper piety and commitment to the charism within, or does one's inner relationship to the charism fuel a greater desire to express that devotion outwardly? Perhaps the truth resides in both places? It seems to me the ongoing reflection on commitment to the charism and what that means in daily Passionist life is the real issue being grappled with, as it should be. To wear or not wear the habit flows from that, I think. I submit these comments respectfully and from a place of great support and admiration for those who have chosen religious life, and from my genuine love for the Passionists.
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Permalink Reply by Patrisius Dua Witin on -
Passionist charism always relevant throughout the ages. How big is the speed of modernity to change the world will not defeat the Passionist charism. The issue is whether the Passionist charism greet everyone this time or not (touch the hearts of the people suffering these days.) Passion is not only the poor but miserable in the modern world, such as egoism, petrified heart, terrorists, etc.). Charisma does not stop change but to adapt to change.
Maybe we could ask why many people are not interested anymore with this Passionist charism? Perhaps our testimony to the people no longer relevant. Display and packaging Passionist charism did not touch everyone's heart. We're talking advanced pullback Passionist charism in the context where we are. Food packaging is very different from each country would also be different charisma processing each country. Kongfigurasi only on certain things not everything. So serve food that can make them enjoy it. Give seasoning Passionist charism and they will come to enjoy it in one table. They will feel that they are also members of the church and Christ is the head of the church ... amen ....
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