NEW YORK, JUNE 19 (ZENIT.org)

    Over the past 35 years, the number of Catholics in the United States has increased by a third, at present reaching 60 million. However, there is a worrying decrease in the number of priests, the U.S. Episcopal Conference reported, following its spring meeting in Milwaukee.

    The U.S. bishops analyzed a study made over the last two years, according to which the number of priests in the country decreased by 20% between 1965 and the present. Today there are 3,500 candidates for the priesthood studying in U.S. seminaries, but this figure is less than it was 30 years ago. However, the growth in immigration, especially from Latin America, has increased the number of faithful in need of spiritual assistance.

    It should be noted, however, that the 30-year period considered includes those priests who left their ministry in the aftermath of the Second Vatican Council. Over the most recent years, there has been mild growth, and several dioceses, such as Peoria and Lincoln are experiencing a real springtime of vocations.

    Given the situation, the bishops confirmed that special attention will be given to vocations. Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver has also suggested in the past that priests should concentrate on priestly functions -- prayer and the sacraments -- leaving many of the administrative tasks to lay people.

    The Bishops Conference also published a critical document on the national judicial system, stating that victims are often neglected, criminals are not rehabilitated, and communities lose their sense of security, while the death penalty continues unabated. ZE00061903

We encourage you to check the Catholic World News site at the CWN home page and Church News at Noticias Eclesiales and the Dossiers, features and Daily Dispatches from ZENIT International News Agency CWN, NE and ZENIT are not affiliated with the Daily CATHOLIC, but provide this service via e-mail to the Daily CATHOLIC Monday through Friday.