Vocations Archives

In pandemic, vocations discernment moves online

Apr 16, 2021

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the nation into lockdown restrictions last spring, Father Michael Zimmerman, like many people, took advantage of the extra time to work on a project that otherwise wouldn’t fit into his schedule. The goal was to create a resource, or guide, for men discerning the priesthood.

By John Lavenburg

Pandemic vocations: Call is the same, but many are answering on Zoom

Mar 21, 2021

During the pandemic “nun school” is taking place on Zoom.

By Carol Zimmermann

Vocation directors say online ministry fills gap but isn’t the same

Mar 20, 2021

The pandemic has affected the way religious orders use their vocations offices.

By Carol Zimmermann

Vocations answer God’s call to make great dreams come true, pope says

Mar 19, 2021

Religious and priestly life must be filled with the simple joy of caring every day for what really matters — faithful friendship with God and one another, Pope Francis said.

By Carol Glatz

First-person accounts illustrate CARA report on what inspires vocations

Mar 6, 2021

A new report on vocations to men’s and women’s religious orders from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate is filled with facts that can help everyone from pastors to formation directors foster more vocations.

By Mark Pattison

Marriage, priesthood, religious life take courage, pope says in message

Mar 24, 2020

Discovering one’s vocation to marriage, priesthood or religious life and making the decision to embrace it takes courage, Pope Francis said.

By Cindy Wooden

US Hispanic Catholics are future, but priest numbers dismal

Mar 15, 2020

Hispanics now account for 40 percent of all U.S. Catholics, and a solid majority of school-age Catholics. Yet Hispanic Americans are strikingly underrepresented in Catholic schools and in the priesthood — accounting for less than 19 percent of Catholic school enrollment and only about 3 percent of U.S.-based priests.

By David Crary

Ministry aims to give parishes resources to develop vocations

Nov 7, 2019

Rhonda Gruenewald wrote “Hundredfold: A Guide to Parish Vocation Ministry” and its accompanying resource book and developed the website VocationMinistry.com to provide information, activities, and inspiration for anyone seeking to establish or revive a vocation ministry.

By Charles C. Camosy