Diminishment and Resurrection: Sr. Kelly Connors on the Evolving Call of Religious Life
Could you share your perspective on what “diminishment” means in the context of religious life?
Sr. Kelly Connors: Diminishment, as we’re experiencing it now, particularly in the global North, reflects a broader demographic shift. Religious life, however, has always been cyclical. There’s an ebb and flow throughout history. We often forget that the large numbers of religious vocations we recall — novitiates filled with dozens of women — were never actually the norm. That surge was a post-war anomaly.
Historically, congregations began small and grew gradually. Times of global crisis have often triggered growth, as people searched for meaning, peace, and community. Now, we’re witnessing a natural contraction, driven in part by aging populations and societal changes, especially in the West.
How do demographic and societal changes play into this diminishment?
Sr. Kelly: In the global North, we simply don’t have a young population. Median ages are high, and the range of opportunities available to women today is broader than ever. Autonomy and professional freedom are more accessible, which changes how young women discern their paths.
In contrast, the global South has a younger population and in some cases fewer societal structures supporting women’s independence. Religious life can offer an appealing alternative — a pathway to education, leadership, and meaningful community.
It’s also cultural. Families in the global South may still encourage religious vocations, whereas in the North, success is often equated with material achievement. The vow of poverty doesn’t always aligne with those expectations.
What does this mean for congregations currently experiencing aging and dwindling membership?
Sr. Kelly: It’s not a crisis – it’s a call. Our congregations grew up together. Many members entered during a time of shared energy and expansion. Now, welcoming newcomers – especially older women discerning later in life – requires different kinds of formation and accompaniment. Our current programs aren’t always designed to integrate mature women with rich life experience.
Still, we must stop framing this as a problem to be fixed by advertising or recruitment strategies. It’s a population reality, not a vocational failure. Universities are closing for the same reason – there just aren’t enough young people.
So how can religious communities respond to this new reality?
Sr. Kelly: First, by living with integrity. I always say, “Live what we say we live.” It’s not about appearing attractive – it’s about authenticity. One monastery I know of let go of everything – property, practicalities, assumptions – and embraced a new beginning. They didn’t do it to grow, but in ten to fifteen years, their numbers doubled. Openness and freedom are inherently attractive.
It’s also about acknowledging that the work we once did is now carried out by others — teachers, nurses, social workers. What still matters is how and why we did it: the spirit behind our mission, the Gospel motivation. Our presence, our being — that still matters immensely.
Practically speaking, what options do congregations have when facing diminishment?
Sr. Kelly: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some communities may collaborate or share resources with nearby congregations. Others may have canonical superiors or commissaries appointed. Mergers were once a helpful response, but now it’s not a practical since most groups are in the same demographic situation.
What matters is choosing the structure that enables a congregation to live their vocation fully until the end – to live it well. And that may look different for each community. We have to discern deeply: What do we want to live? How do we want to be, together and for the world? Only then can we decide what structure will best support that vision.
Our world doesn’t know how to deal with diminishment. Economies measure success by constant growth, and yet that’s not sustainable – not for countries, not for congregations. We must rediscover the value in fragility and vulnerability. The world needs to see that witness.
Letting go of institutions, ministries, and properties is painful, but it brings us back to our roots: simply following Jesus together. Just like at the Transfiguration, when Elijah and Moses disappeared, and only Jesus remained. That’s what we’re left with — and it’s enough.
Do you see hope in this?
Sr. Kelly: Without question. We are Easter people. We know resurrection is real. Even as we sit in what feels like Good Friday, we believe in Easter. It’s not up to us to control or resurrect anything. That’s God’s work. We’ve done our part. We’ve helped transform society through education, health care, human dignity. That impact endures.
Canon law even allows the juridic person of a congregation to exist for 100 years after the last member dies. Who knows? Someone might pick up our constitutions decades from now and begin anew. It’s happened before.
The theme of the DSIC Assembly which concluded recently was: “Widows and Midwives: Where Past and Future Meet.” What are your thoughts on that?
Sr. Kelly: I love it. It captures everything we’ve been talking about. The widow walks with death; the midwife with birth. Together they form a seamless garment – a whole – holding both memory and possibility. There’s no hierarchy of value between youth and age. Both bring essential gifts.
Religious life now is a journey between Good Friday and Easter. It’s a Paschal journey, repeated year after year. What matters is that we walk it with faith, together, with dignity, and in communion with Christ.