Smaller families linked to decline in vocations to religious life

March 31, 2011

Examining a report on the decline in vocations among women's religious orders, Terry Mattingly notices that a young woman's parents sometimes discourage interest in the convent--because, among other reasons, they want to have grandchildren. Mattingly points out:

They want grandchildren? That would be a factor only if the parents themselves have no other children or have, let’s say, only one other child.

Religious and priestly vocations traditionally come, disproportionately, from large families. As the size of families has declined, so too has the number of vocations.

 

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Further information:

• Fewer children? Then fewer nuns … (GetReligion)