According to data collected from the website VocationMatch.com,’s Report on Trends in Religious Life, the past three years have seen the number of candidates preparing for the religious life increase by 19 percent. Young Catholics make up the bulk of those considering religious vocations, with over 50 percent being under 30 years of age.
66 percent of those considering religious life say they are drawn by a “desire to live a life of faithfulness to the church and its teachings.” 50 percent report that dressing in a habit is either “very important” or “essential” to their vocations. 85 percent desire to be involved in an active ministry such as parish work, healthcare, teaching, or prison ministry.
