The research offers an encouraging view of new priestly vocations in the United States, highlighting the importance of accompaniment, parish life and family formation on the path to ordination
Newsroom (23/04/2025 21:40, Gaudium Press) More than 400 men will receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders this year in the United States, according to a national survey released by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA).
The report, for 2025, was prepared in collaboration with the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Between 10 January and 20 March, 309 of the 405 seminarians who will be ordained responded to the survey.
More than 80 per cent of the future priests will be ordained in a diocese or eparchy and, on average, will live 17 years in that jurisdiction before entering the seminary.
As for the beginning of their vocational call, the study indicates that, on average, they began to consider the priesthood at the age of 16, although 35 per cent said they felt the call from primary school, between the ages of 6 and 13. The average age of those who will be ordained this year will be 34.
The survey emphasizes the fundamental role of family and initial formation in the vocational journey. The majority of those to be ordained indicated that they were raised by both biological parents and that these parents were Catholic during their childhood. Ninety-five per cent said that they grew up with their parents during the most formative stages of their childhood.
92% were baptized in the Catholic Church as children. Among those who entered the Church later, the average age of conversion was 22.
In terms of parish life before the seminary, 50% took part in parish youth groups, 35% in university ministry and 23% belonged to the Knights of Columbus or the Knights of St. Peter Claver. It was also noted that 21 per cent were members of the Boy Scouts.
The vast majority (73%) served as altar servers. In addition, 46 per cent were readers, 34 per cent extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion and 32 per cent gave catechesis.
Importantly, many seminarians were encouraged to consider the priesthood by someone close to them. 31 per cent have or had a family member who is a priest or religious who influenced their discernment. However, 43 per cent also reported having received some discouragement when considering entering the seminary, mainly from friends or family.
In the spiritual sphere, Eucharistic Adoration was the most frequent form of prayer among those interviewed before entering the seminary, with 78 per cent taking part regularly. Reciting the Rosary, studying the Bible and practicing lectio divina also featured prominently.
Education also played an important role. Between 36 per cent and 46 per cent attended Catholic schools during basic education and/or university. More than 15 per cent had been educated at home at some point in their lives. 58% participated in parish religious education programs for a period of six years.
Before entering the seminary, many of those to be ordained already had academic training and work experience. 63 per cent had completed undergraduate or postgraduate studies. The most common courses were Philosophy, Engineering, Business, Science and Math.
66 per cent reported having worked full-time before beginning priestly formation, including six per cent who served in the US Armed Forces.
Approximately a quarter of those interviewed were born outside the country. Of these 26 per cent, the majority are from Mexico, Vietnam and the Philippines.
This annual CARA study offers an encouraging view of new priestly vocations in the United States, highlighting the importance of accompaniment, parish life and family formation on the path to ordained ministry.
With files from Infocatolica
Compiled by Sandra Chisholm
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