A recent study from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University surveyed men who are scheduled for priestly ordinations in 2024. Of the 392 respondents, 95% were raised by their biological parents, and 88% were raised by a married couple who lived together, indicating the importance of high parental involvement in the priestly discernment process.
The USCCB’s Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations (CCLV) distributed the results of the survey in anticipation of the 61st World Day of Prayer for Vocations on April 21. Bishop Earl Boyea, chairman of the CCLV committee, echoed Pope Francis stating, “Mothers and fathers, united in marriage, are the first witnesses to love for their children. It is within the family that children are taught the faith, learn the meaning of love, and grow in virtue. This year’s study of ordinands underscores the fundamental role that families, and particularly, parents, play in building up the kingdom of God. It is through the love and support of the family that children develop into the men and women God calls them to be.”
Further details of the survey can be found here at the USCCB website.