The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) released the Ordination Class of 2023 Study in conjunction with Sunday’s World Day of Prayer for Vocations celebration.

“Surveys of recently professed men and women religious and men ordained to the priesthood show that families and encouragement from the parish priests alongside Catholic schools provide optimal environments for a vocational call to grow,” Bishop Earl Boyea, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations (CCLV), said in a release. “On this day, let us thank God for continuing to call men and women to serve him and his Church as priests, religious, and consecrated persons. We pray that all families, teachers, and priests will continue their essential work of instilling the faith and love of Jesus in our children.”

The Catholic Church celebrated the 60th annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations on Sunday. This day, also known as "Good Shepherd Sunday," falls on the fourth Sunday of Easter and is a time to reflect on the Gospel teaching that highlights Jesus as the Good Shepherd who sacrifices himself for his flock. The occasion aims to encourage prayer and reflection on the importance of religious vocations in the Church, the USCCB release said. 

According to the National Religious Vocation Conference, numerous religious organizations conduct events to promote and pray for vocations. Participation in parish activities often precedes the final vows of many individuals, emphasizing the value of involvement in such events. Those interested in pursuing vocations can request opportunities to speak, distribute materials, and discuss them by approaching their respective parishes. 

The CCLV committee released a study conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University in conjunction with the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The Ordination Class of 2023 Study shows that 334 of 458 men to be ordained this year responded to the survey, a 73% response rate. They represent 116 U.S. dioceses and eparchies and 24 religious institutes.

The Ordination Class of 2023 Study reveals that most of the responding ordinands received formation at seminaries in the South and Midwest. Many first considered priesthood during elementary or high school, and 34% graduated from a Catholic high school. Most were baptized Catholic as infants and raised primarily by their biological parents and married couples living together. More than 50% of the respondents stated that their parish priest played a significant role in their decision to pursue a vocation.