Submitted by John Brunson, Apr 9, 2007 13:50

There are so many religious community choices out there. Why not choose a healthy, growing, multigenerational and well funded religious community vs one that is destined for extinction?

Why be the last younger member of a religious community that won't exist much longer?

Much of this can be vetted during a website examination in my opinion. And then in face to face community "interviews": a vocations candidate can ask about average age within the community, what digital/face to face programs are being driven to help the religious community embrace younger generations, types of work available to vowed members and listen to the tone of responses (happiness exuded? loneliness exuded? regret exuded? sadness exuded?)..

The focus of the piece was not about hearing God's call or not.

The Jesuits are a growing, apostolic bunch which draws in younger vocations candidates I have heard. I love the Ignatiana reference. Each vocations candidate would need to research the Jesuits to determine lifelong fit.

Thank you.

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