CARA survey shows 400+ U.S. priestly ordinations in 2026, with average age 33, strong parish roots, and diverse backgrounds.
Newsroom (21/04/2026 Gaudium Press ) More than 400 men are set to be ordained to the Catholic priesthood across the United States in 2026, according to a newly released national survey by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), offering a detailed snapshot of the backgrounds, formation, and influences shaping the next generation of clergy.
The survey, conducted between Feb. 12 and March 20 in collaboration with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations, gathered responses from 334 ordinands out of 428 invited, yielding a 78% response rate. Respondents represent 110 dioceses and eparchies and 34 religious institutes nationwide.
A strong majority—81%—are preparing for ordination as diocesan or eparchial priests, while 19% are entering religious institutes.
Age, Calling, and Formation
The average ordinand in 2026 is 33 years old, with most reporting that they first considered a vocation to the priesthood at age 16. Before entering seminary, they typically spent 16 years living in their dioceses, suggesting deep roots in their local Catholic communities. Those joining religious institutes reported knowing members of their communities for about five years prior to entering.
Geographically, seminarians are distributed across the country, with 35% studying in the Midwest, 28% in the Northeast, 19% in the South, 14% in the West, and 5% abroad.
Diverse Backgrounds
While the majority of ordinands identify as white (62%), the cohort reflects growing diversity: 17% are Hispanic or Latino, 11% Asian or Pacific Islander, and 5% Black or African American.
Most respondents (74%) were born in the United States, though a significant share—35%—were born abroad and immigrated at an average age of 22. Among foreign-born ordinands, the most common countries of origin include Vietnam (5%), Mexico (3%), and Colombia (2%).
Education Paths
The educational backgrounds of ordinands vary widely. About 29% reported completing high school or less before seminary, while 19% had some college or trade education. A larger share—39%—earned undergraduate degrees, and 13% completed graduate studies.
Among those who pursued higher education prior to seminary, 22% studied theology or philosophy. Other common fields included business (18%), engineering (17%), and science or mathematics (11%).
Catholic education also played a notable role: 45% attended Catholic elementary schools, 38% Catholic high schools, and 34% Catholic colleges. Additionally, 63% participated in parish-based religious education programs.
Prayer Life and Parish Involvement
Spiritual practices prior to seminary were a defining feature for many respondents. A large majority reported participating in Eucharistic adoration (81%) and regularly praying the rosary (79%). Others engaged in prayer or Bible study groups (52%) and lectio divina (48%).
Parish involvement was nearly universal. Overall, 93% of ordinands had participated in at least one form of parish ministry before entering seminary. Common roles included altar server (79%), lector (49%), campus or youth minister (34%), and catechist (32%).
Encouragement from others played a critical role in vocational discernment. Nearly all respondents (92%) said at least one person encouraged them to consider the priesthood—most often a parish priest (70%), followed by friends (49%) and mothers (46%). At the same time, some reported discouragement from family members (22%) and peers (17%).
Family and Early Life
Family background remains a key influence. The overwhelming majority of ordinands were baptized Catholic as infants (93%), and 86% reported that both parents were Catholic.
Most respondents (88%) were raised by married parents living together, with 97% raised by both biological parents. A smaller portion, 11%, reported being raised by grandparents.
Family connections to religious life are also present: 28% said they have a relative who is a priest or religious. Nearly all respondents (96%) reported having siblings.
Military connections were less common but still notable, with 4% of ordinands having served in the U.S. armed forces and 12% reporting that at least one parent had a military career.
The 2026 CARA survey paints a portrait of priesthood candidates who are deeply rooted in parish life, shaped by a mix of traditional and diverse educational paths, and influenced by both personal faith practices and community encouragement.
- Raju Hasmukh with files form CNA
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