Changing clerical faces

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

Recent attention has focused on the changing face of the United States because of the growing number of Hispanics in the U.S. While the debate over immigration reform has highlighted the changes, the trend began in 1965 with the passage of the Immigration and Naturalization Act. It replaced a law that had given preferential treatment to northern Europeans, thus making it possible for people all over the world to come to the U.S.

The changing face of America is also apparent in U.S. Catholic seminaries. The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, an independent Catholic research agency based at Georgetown University in Washington, reports that in 2005-06 nearly a fourth of priesthood candidates in U.S. seminaries were born abroad. CARA also found that racial and ethnic diversity is gradually increasing among those in ministry formation for diaconate and priesthood.

In 2005-06, of the 3,306 theology students studying for the priesthood - down two from 2004-05 - 64% were white, 15% Hispanic/Latino, 10% Asian, 5% black and 6% other. Compare that to 1996-97 when the numbers were 77% white, 11% Hispanic/Latino, 9% Asian and 3% black.

Among deacon candidates in 2005-06, 75% were white, 17% Hispanic/Latino, 4% Asian, 3% black and 1% other. Those percentage in 1996-97 were 78% white, 15% Hispanic/Latino, 4% Asian and 3% black.

Some areas of the U.S. have already seen a more diverse priesthood caused mainly by an influx of priests from India and Africa. The changes are truly a reminder of the catholic - that is, universal - character of our church.