Why are people choosing career and life options other than priesthood or religious life?
· A materialistic culture, prospects of high salaries, and business perks exert considerable draw. · Ordination encompasses a lifetime commitment, whereas opportunities for lay ministry abound-without commitment to a lifetime of obedience and celibacy. · Whereas priests were once generally regarded with respect and even awe, they now find themselves suspect, particularly in the area of sexual misconduct. · Decreased family size has changed the “vocations climate.” A child becoming a priest or sister decreases the potential for grandchildren in the family. · Fewer active priests result in less direct contact between priests and parishioners. For someone who doesn’t know a priest or sister personally, media images can be the basis for forming opinions of priesthood and sisterhood in general.
