The latest figures from the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR)
indicate there are about 80,000 women religious in the U.S. LCWR communications
director Jenean Merkel says that with about half under 70 and half over, the
total numbers are declining.
"Many religious communities see this as an opportunity to return to their
roots. They look to the women who founded them in the 1700s, 1800s or 1900s,
and the one, two or a handful of women who saw a need that society or the
church was not meeting," says Merkel.
"As these founders shared their vision of service, others came to join.
But women religious today, while still eager to share their way of life with
young people, will also say the needs are still there and no matter how few
they are, they will continue to give everything they have to meet those needs."
Salaries for women religious are wide-ranging, from nothing but room and
board to the wage of a college president or hospital administrator.
"However,...we never keep what we earn. So all the income is given to the
community," says Sister Mary Christelle Macaluso.
Macaluso is a professional speaker. The Sisters of Mercy take care of her
housing, vehicle, medical and education expenses and provide her with a small
amount each month for "expenses of a more personal nature."
"The vow of poverty does not mean that we live in poverty, as poverty is
an evil which we are trying to help others get out of. The vow of poverty
is a focus to live life simply and not have money to be the source of your
meaning in life," says Macaluso.
Earnings and employment information from the U.S. Department of Labor is
not available for this field at this time.