A Fire in the Forest

One of the striking features of contemporary Religious Life is the fact that despite the apparent signs of impending death constituted by small numbers of entrants, rising median age, and increasing financial strain, most renewed religious congregations of women, continue to exhibit impressive signs of vitality. Creativity commitment, generosity strong leadership, healthy diversification and transfer of training, inclusivity, parenting, vision, an effective preference for mission over maintenance, life-giving ministerial choices and hope continue to mark these congregations. This also is a sign of the times. "<p>One of the striking features of contemporary Religious Life is the fact that despite the apparent signs of impending death constituted by small numbers of entrants, rising median age, and increasing financial strain, most renewed religious congregations of women, continue to exhibit impressive signs of vitality.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Creativity commitment, generosity strong leadership, healthy diversification and transfer of training, inclusivity, parenting, vision, an effective preference for mission over maintenance, life-giving ministerial choices and hope continue to mark these congregations. This also is a sign of the times.</p>"