The Vocations Crisis
“Strange to say, I often think that prayer – the Unum Necessarium (the one thing needed) – is the one aspect of vocations work which we tend to forget or to undervalue.” – Pope Benedict XVI
Catholic Communities of Prayer is joining with the Congregation of Clergy and their project to restore the sanctification and reparation of the priesthood. We are also joining with Pope Benedict XVI and his plea that the prayer as the One Thing Needed (The Unum Necessarium) is absolutely primary in the vocations crisis. The vocations crisis is one of the major problems in the Church today, and CCOP believes that only through prayer will this crisis be turned around.
Prayer is the Solution to the Vocations Crisis:
Many Catholics realize the importance of prayer in the vocations crisis. And even many often pray for vocations, which is definitely needed. However, we believe that by immersing young adults in a rich and deep environment of prayer, they will then best discern their calling and vocation.
Vocations Crisis Statistics:
Three statistics that highlight the vocations crisis in the United States are as follows:
- In the US since 1970, the total number of Catholics has increased by 16.5 million people.
- However, the number of priests has decreased by 18,243. And the number of religious (monks, nuns, and priests) has decreased by 79,386.
- In 1970, the number of Catholics per priest was 827. Now, the number of Catholics per priest is 1,603 people.
- Seminarian enrolments have dropped significantly since 1968. 59% drop of seminarians in Theology programs, 90% drop of college seminarians, and 97% drop of high school seminarians.
