Patricia Wittberg - Böcker

Patterns of migration for the purpose of religious mission are an unexamined dimension of the immigration narrative. Catholic sisters from many countries around the world come to the United States to minister and to study. Sociologists from Trinity Washington University and CARA at Georgetown University combined forces to document and understand this contemporary and historical phenomenon. Together, they located more than 4,000 "international sisters" who are currently in the United States for formation, studies, or ministry, from 83 countries spread over six continents. Through surveys, focus groups, and interviews, they heard the stories of these sisters and learned of their joys and satisfactions as well as their struggles and challenges.This book examines the experience of these sisters in depth and offers valuable suggestions for religious institutes, Catholic dioceses and parishes, and others who benefit from their contributions. More broadly, this book also raises awareness of immigration issues at a time of great contention in the public policy debate in the United States. Illustrated with instructive graphics and tables, it is an accessible and inviting resource for academics and the media, as well as bishops, and leaders of Catholic health care, social service, education, pastoral, and philanthropic institutions.

This book offers a comprehensive examination of the generations of women who entered religious life in the United States after 1965. It provides up-to-date demographics for women's religious institutes; a summary of canon law locating religious life within the various forms of life in the Church; an analysis of Church documents on religious life; and data on the views of post-Vatican II entrants regarding ministry, identity, prayer, spirituality, the vows, and community. Beginning each chapter with an engaging narrative, the authors explore how different generations of Catholic women first became attracted to vowed religious life and what kinds of religious institutes they were seeking. By analyzing the results of extensive national surveys, the authors systematically examine how the new generations of Sisters differ from previous ones, and what those changes suggest about the future. The book concludes with recommendations for further understanding of generations within religious life and within the Church and society. Because of its breadth and depth, this book will be regarded by scholars, the media, and practitioners as an essential resource for the sociological study of religious life for women in the United States.

Only in recent centuries have Catholic and Protestant women begun the practice of creating formal groups for the express purpose of operating schools, hospitals, and the like. Yet, there is evidence that this period of active organizational involvement may already be coming to an end. The resulting effect of denominational groups losing their institutional identities has been greatly overlooked in past research. Wittberg aims to redress this omission in this noteworthy work. From Piety to Professionalism – and Back? argues that the dissolution of institutional ties has greatly affected denominations – especially specific denominational subgroups such as Catholic religious orders, Protestant deaconesses, or women's missionary societies – in profoundly important ways: shifting or obliterating their recruitment bases, altering the backgrounds and expectations of their leaders, and often causing fundamental transformations in the very identity and culture of the groups themselves. Using the theoretical lens of organizational sociology, Wittberg has created an important and engaging work that will appeal to scholars of sociology and religion.

What happens when a centuries-old religious movement begins to disappear?In this sociological study, Patricia Wittberg, S.C. confronts one of the most consequential yet understudied transformations within modern Catholicism: the dramatic rise—and startling decline—of Catholic religious orders.Drawing on historical depth and rigorous theoretical analysis, Wittberg explores religious orders as intentional communities powered by what she calls "religious virtuosity." Why did thousands dedicate their lives to these communities? What ideological frameworks sustained them? And why have those same structures weakened so dramatically in recent decades?Blending sociological theory with rich historical research, The Rise and Fall of Catholic Religious Orders:· Examines the ideological foundations of Roman Catholic religious life· Analyzes personal incentives and institutional resource mobilization· Investigates earlier cycles of growth and decline· Interprets contemporary collapse through the lens of movement theory· Situates religious orders within the broader study of intentional communitiesFar from offering a simple narrative of decline, Wittberg provides a sophisticated model for understanding how religious movements mobilize, sustain commitment, and ultimately lose cultural power. Her work opens new pathways for research into ideology, institutional change, and the dynamics of faith-based communities.

What happens when a centuries-old religious movement begins to disappear?In this sociological study, Patricia Wittberg, S.C. confronts one of the most consequential yet understudied transformations within modern Catholicism: the dramatic rise—and startling decline—of Catholic religious orders.Drawing on historical depth and rigorous theoretical analysis, Wittberg explores religious orders as intentional communities powered by what she calls "religious virtuosity." Why did thousands dedicate their lives to these communities? What ideological frameworks sustained them? And why have those same structures weakened so dramatically in recent decades?Blending sociological theory with rich historical research, The Rise and Fall of Catholic Religious Orders:· Examines the ideological foundations of Roman Catholic religious life· Analyzes personal incentives and institutional resource mobilization· Investigates earlier cycles of growth and decline· Interprets contemporary collapse through the lens of movement theory· Situates religious orders within the broader study of intentional communitiesFar from offering a simple narrative of decline, Wittberg provides a sophisticated model for understanding how religious movements mobilize, sustain commitment, and ultimately lose cultural power. Her work opens new pathways for research into ideology, institutional change, and the dynamics of faith-based communities.