
New Generations of Catholic Sisters
The Challenge of Diversity
Oxford University Press Inc
Published on 29. May 2014
Book
Hardback
230 pages
978-0-19-931684-7 (ISBN)
Description
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.
Reviews / Votes
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 *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
36 illus.
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 161 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
514 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-931684-7 (9780199316847)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Mary S. N. D. De N. Johnson | Patricia S. C. Wittberg | Mary L. Gautier
New Generations of Catholic Sisters
The Challenge of Diversity
E-Book
04/2014
1st Edition
OUP eBook
€20.99
Available for download

Mary S. N. D. De N. Johnson | Patricia S. C. Wittberg | Mary L. Gautier
New Generations of Catholic Sisters
The Challenge of Diversity
E-Book
04/2014
1st Edition
OUP eBook
€16.49
Available for download
Persons
Mary Johnson is a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur. She is Professor of Sociology and Religious Studies at Trinity Washington University in Washington, DC, and, before that, taught for nineteen years at Emmanuel College in Boston.
Patricia Wittberg is a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati and Professor of Sociology at Indiana University-Purdue University.
Mary Gautier is Research Associate Professor at the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University.
Patricia Wittberg is a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati and Professor of Sociology at Indiana University-Purdue University.
Mary Gautier is Research Associate Professor at the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University.
Author
Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Religious StudiesDistinguished Professor of Sociology and Religious Studies, Trinity Washington University
Professor of SociologyProfessor of Sociology, Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis
Senior Research AssociateSenior Research Associate, Georgetown University
Content
Introduction ; Chapter 1: Religious Life in the United States: Toward a New Demographic Definition ; Chapter 2: Navigating the Contemporary Religious Landscape: Discerning Distinctions with a Difference ; Chapter 3: Priest and Prophet: Tensions in the Theories and Practices of Religious Life ; Chapter 4: Generations and their Cultures: Challenges and Possibilities ; Chapter 5: Identity: Distinguishing Elements ; Chapter 6: Prayer, Spirituality, and the Vows: The Common Core ; Chapter 7: Community and Ministry: Balancing Life and Work ; Chapter 8: Conclusion: Inviting the Future ; Appendix I: Research Studies Used in This Book ; Appendix II: Surveys ; Notes ; References ; Index