The Church Needs More Sisters: Inspiring a Vocational Revival

In 1965, there were 178,000 religious Sisters. In 2024, there were less than 35,000. In less than 60 years, the landscape of women’s religious life has dramatically changed. Can there be a revival in women’s religious vocations?

In this episode, Jessica talks with Kathleen Calvin and Sr. Jacinta Man about FOCUS’ new project to promote women’s religious vocations. Jess, Kathleen, and Sr. Jacinta discuss:

• The sharp decline in women’s religious vocations and what it means for the Church.
• How FOCUS’ new project is fostering a culture of discernment for young women.
• Practical ways listeners can support women discerning a religious vocation.

Kathleen Calvin is the Spiritual Development Team Manager. She oversees projects such as women religious initiative. Kathleen lives in Philadelphia after serving 6 years as a campus missionary in Boston and Virginia Tech. 

Originally from New Jersey, Sister Jacinta Man, OP, is a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia and currently resides at the motherhouse in Nashville. She served in the apostolate for ten years as a Catholic school elementary teacher in Tennessee, Georgia, and Ohio but now assists with vocation work for her community.  Before entering the convent fifteen years ago, Sister Jacinta participated in FOCUS bible studies while a student at NYU and met the Nashville Dominicans at the 2010 FOCUS conference in Orlando. Providentially, FOCUS missionaries had a profound impact on her spiritual journey, and it is a gift for her to now be a part of the chaplaincy for FOCUS.