Laurie Goodstein of the New York Times reports the changing face of the Roman Catholic clergy in this country. Ms. Goodstein alludes to a recent study conducted by The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University. The findings show that “an aging, predominantly white generation is being succeeded by a smaller group of more racially and ethnically diverse recruits who are attracted to the religious orders that practice traditional prayer rituals and wear habits.”
Asian Americans are at least poised to be potential leaders in this large, albeit shrinking, congregation of Catholics. “Asians and Pacific Islanders are disproportionately represented among the newcomers, accounting for 14 percent, far above their 3 percent share of the Catholic population in the United States.” The latest figures reported in the 77th annual edition of the Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches indicate that its membership ranks highest with 67.1 million followers in this country.
Asian Americans are at least poised to be potential leaders in this large, albeit shrinking, congregation of Catholics. “Asians and Pacific Islanders are disproportionately represented among the newcomers, accounting for 14 percent, far above their 3 percent share of the Catholic population in the United States.” The latest figures reported in the 77th annual edition of the Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches indicate that its membership ranks highest with 67.1 million followers in this country.
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