As National Vocation Awareness Week approaches (Nov. 2–8), the need for new priests and consecrated men and women in the United States is pressing. According to a 2023 report, from 2014 to 2021 the number of active diocesan priests declined by 9 percent, religious priests dropped 14 percent, seminarians fell 22 percent, and total priestly ordinations declined 24 percent. Only 30 of 175 U.S. dioceses ordained enough priests to replace losses during that period. National Catholic Register
Another key indicator comes from a survey of the 2024 ordination class. Among those being ordained, 95 percent were raised by their biological parents and 88 percent lived with a married couple during childhood, underscoring the critical role that families play in nurturing vocations. The survey also reveals that most men first considered a priestly vocation around age 16, and the average age at ordination is 34. USCCB
These trends highlight two realities: many U.S. dioceses are not producing enough priests to replace those who retire or die, and the influence of family life and early encouragement in faith settings is indispensable in fostering vocational discernment.
We can respond now with prayer and commitment. During this Vocation Awareness Week, and always, let every parish and all the faithful join in praying for young men to hear and accept God’s call. Let families and youth ministers take seriously the invitation to speak about priesthood and consecrated religious life. Priests, your personal witness and encouragement can make all the difference.
May our united prayers help reverse this decline and bring forth new shepherds for the Church’s future.
For more information about vocations for priests and consecrated life for men and women, email vocations@dosafl.com or call Father Clay Ludwig, director of vocations for the Diocese of St. Augustine, at (904) 262-3200, ext. 121.
