How the Hipster Can Save the Monk (and Vice Versa)

Religious orders are facing what is euphemistically called a vocational crisis. In truth, many are dying. Vocations are down, the average age of members is rising, and approximately 3,000 religious leave the consecrated life every year. The reasons are many and complicated, but surely the decline builds upon itself. As fewer people have contact with men and women religious, the religious life becomes less accessible.