Identity and Vocations

[NPC]

I have been wondering for some time about certain religious orders and their ability or inability to attract vocations. It seems to me that many of those which have not been attracting new vocations are, perhaps, in the midst of an identity crisis. Let me give an example: in Ireland up until relatively recently there were certain religious orders of brothers and nuns - especially the Sisters of Mercy, the Presentation Sisters, the Christian Brothers and the Patrician Brothers - which had a monopoly on schools and hospitals. They were orders of educators and nurses and this is how society regarded them - and a valuable part of Irish society they were.

However, now more and more former religious schools are being run by the state and the religious don’t have as much of a role in the hospital system as in the past. So, having gradually moved away from these roles, I wonder how these orders now define themselves - I mean, contemplative orders are the ones ‘bucking’ the trend of falling vocations in Ireland, I suspect because their role has always been the same - constant prayer, adoration, etc.

Is there any way as far as you can see that these orders which once defined themselves by their roles in health or education have actually succeded in redefining their mission in order to show that it is still worthwhile for one to consider ones vocation to religious life with them in mind?

 

[brigid12]

What you speak of is a very interesting thought and it makes sense that one of the vocation problems is this. I have no real knowledge of these things, however will be interested in what is posted.

 

[nightwalker]

However, now more and more former religious schools are being run by the state and the religious don’t have as much of a role in the hospital system as in the past. So, having gradually moved away from these roles, I wonder how these orders now define themselves - I mean, contemplative orders are the ones ‘bucking’ the trend of falling vocations in Ireland, I suspect because their role has always been the same - constant prayer, adoration, etc.

Is there any way as far as you can see that these orders which once defined themselves by their roles in health or education have actually succeded in redefining their mission in order to show that it is still worthwhile for one to consider ones vocation to religious life with them in mind?

The situation here in the States is a little different. Private schools are remaining, private, so those orders(such as the Nashville Dominicans) that have kept to their educational mission are still keeping their schools (and growing remarkably).

I don’t hear much about orders in health care, however, but the ones I do hear of are either in mission fields (including domestic missions) or elder care (nursing homes).