New Generations of Catholic Sisters
The Challenge of Diversity
Patricia Wittberg author Mary Johnson author Mary L Gautier author
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Oxford University Press Inc
Published:29th May '14
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This book offers a comprehensive examination of the generations of women who entered religious life in the United States after 1965. It provides up-to-date demographics for women's religious institutes; a summary of canon law locating religious life within the various forms of life in the Church; an analysis of Church documents on religious life; and data on the views of post-Vatican II entrants regarding ministry, identity, prayer, spirituality, the vows, and community. Beginning each chapter with an engaging narrative, the authors explore how different generations of Catholic women first became attracted to vowed religious life and what kinds of religious institutes they were seeking. By analyzing the results of extensive national surveys, the authors systematically examine how the new generations of Sisters differ from previous ones, and what those changes suggest about the future. The book concludes with recommendations for further understanding of generations within religious life and within the Church and society. Because of its breadth and depth, this book will be regarded by scholars, the media, and practitioners as an essential resource for the sociological study of religious life for women in the United States.
Over the years, I've read and heard a lot of consternation, prognostication, and simplifications about Catholic sisters. But, alas, I have not come across much empirically astute and theoretically nimble analysis of them - until now. With their rich data, thoughtful comparisons (especially among generational cohorts) and plain good sense, this team of scholars provides us with an extremely nuanced and well-written account of U.S.-based nuns today. * Jerome P. Baggett *
Seldom does one encounter a work with such broad resources and balanced analysis as is provided by the authors of New Generations of Catholic Sisters. They examine the topic of vocations to womens religious congregations from every conceivable angle, concluding with a striking section on implications for the future. This book is essential reading for women religious and for all who have benefitted from the ministry of sisters. * Katarina Schuth, OSF University of St. Thomas, Minnesota *
it is an especially valuable book * Linda kawentel, Scientific Study of Religion *
This book is an outstanding example of sociology at the service of life! The authors have engaged a topic of vital interest to all segments of the Churchapostolic womens religious lifeand analyzed its current state, potential future, and ultimate significance with remarkable insight. A must-read for anyone who cares about the new evangelization. * Doris Gottemoeller, RSM Past President of the Leadership conference of Women Religious and of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas *
ISBN: 9780199316847
Dimensions: 234mm x 163mm x 23mm
Weight: 476g
230 pages