The United States is anticipated to see a drastic decline in the number of religious priests, sisters, and brothers, according to recently released data from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Current projections anticipate a drop of nearly 50% over the next decade, taking the count from 33,000 in 2023 to approximately 17,000 in 2033. This trend follows the decrease already witnessed from 1989, when there were around 124,000 religious in the US, to 2023, with numbers reducing to approximately 38,000.
The majority of the religious population, by 2033, is expected to be over 75 years of age. It’s particularly noteworthy that more women in religious orders are projected to be in this age bracket compared to men.
Looking at a more detailed breakdown of the religious population, it’s revealed that more than half of the women in religious orders, numbering 13,621 out of 24,965, are aged 80 or above. Furthermore, there are more women aged 95 or older in these orders than those under the age of 40, an indication of the changing demographic in these religious groups.
A newly released report also provides a financial overview of the National Religious Retirement Office’s activities. It shows the cost of independent, assisted living, and skilled care has seen a significant increase, going from $15,000 in 1987 to over $55,000 in 2023.
These trends offer a stark reflection on the shifting demographics within religious orders in the United States. The growing age gap, coupled with a significant decline in their numbers, raises questions on the future sustainability of these communities. It further underscores the need for engaging younger generations and fostering an environment conducive to religious vocation.
Pray for the US Catholic Religious population! 🙏
