The Profession Class of 2024: A Snapshot of New Religious in the U.S.

Each year the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), together with the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University, publishes a study of religious who profess perpetual vows. The Profession Class of 2024 report offers a window into who is choosing consecrated life in the United States today.

Who made perpetual profession in 2024?

Major superiors reported 194 members (91 women and 103 men) who professed perpetual vows in 2024 in institutes based in the United States. Of those identified, 140 completed CARA’s survey—a 72% response rate—including 73 sisters or nuns and 67 brothers or religious priests.

Respondents averaged 37 years of age; half were 34 or younger. Most were born in the United States (69%), with others born in Asia (12%), Latin America (10%), and Africa (6%).

Family and faith at home

As in ordination surveys, family remains central. Ninety-two percent of respondents had at least one Catholic parent; 87% reported both parents were Catholic. Ninety-seven percent were raised by their biological parents during their formative years, and 90% grew up in a home with married parents living together.

Education, work, and encouragement

Many had Catholic schooling at some level, and 82% worked before entering their institute. Before profession, 85% served in parish ministries such as lector, altar server, or youth ministry. On average, respondents first considered religious life at age 19; 84% said someone encouraged them, often a religious sister or brother, a friend, or a parish priest.

Takeaways for vocation ministry

While the report is not specific to Holy Cross, the patterns resonate for any community receiving candidates: faith lived at home, Catholic education, early parish involvement, and personal encouragement still shape vocational discernment. Brother communities can support that path by offering authentic witness and walking with inquirers from adolescence onward.