Handbook on Educational Debt and Vocations to Religious Life

Handbook on Educational Debt and Vocations to Religious Life

For congregational leaders: 
Principles for working with inquirers and candidates 
with educational debt

The leaders of congregations of men and women religious face an emerging challenge: one in three individuals approaching a religious institute to discern a vocation has student loans. At a time when vocations to religious life are relatively few, many congregations have struggled with this issue. Some have had to turn away inquirers and candidates with educational debt, sometimes with a heavy heart.
 

Challenge inspires varied responses

The educational landscape has shifted: those entering religious life are often older; college costs have skyrocketed; student loans are common.  

Efforts to respond to this emerging challenge are varied and a work in progress.
 

Principles at a Glance

Congregations must see to it that their members are fully ready and equipped to advance the community’s mission. 

Communities should encourage personal responsibility on the part of the inquirer or candidate.