Survey of Youth and Young Adults on Vocations: Appendix. Questionnaire

Consideration of Priesthood and Religious Life Among Never-Married U.S. Catholics by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University - Washington, D.C.


Appendix: Questionnaire

Vocations Questionnaire  

This survey is being conducted as part of a Georgetown University academic research project.  All of your responses are completely confidential and will only be reported together with those of all other respondents in national figures or subgroup totals (e.g., female respondents, respondents under age 25).   

SCREEN1 - What is your religion? 

  1. Catholic 
  2. Protestant
  3. Orthodox
  4. Jewish
  5. Muslim
  6. Other religion
  7. No religion

[IF SCREEN1=1, GO TO Q1]  

Q1 - Were you baptized Catholic as an infant or did you become Catholic later in your life?

  1. Baptized Catholic as an infant
  2. Became Catholic later in life

[if Q1=2; converted to Catholicism]

Q1a - About how old were you when you first became Catholic?

  1. Before you were a teenager
  2. 13 to 17 years old
  3. 18 to 24 years old
  4. 25 or older

[if Q1a=3, 4; adult convert]

Q1b - Did you go through the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA), the formal process that brings adult converts into the Catholic Church?

  1. Yes
  2. No 

[if Q1a=3, 4; adult convert] 

Q1c - What was your religion before becoming Catholic?

  1. Protestant
  2. Orthodox
  3. Jewish
  4. Muslim
  5. Other religion
  6. No religion  

Q2 - Aside from weddings and funerals, about how often do you attend Catholic Mass? 

  1. Rarely or never
  2. A few times a year
  3. Once or twice a month
  4. Almost every week
  5. Every week
  6. More than once a week  

Some of the questions in this survey are about Catholic religious vocations. These include men who become priests or religious brothers, as well as women who become religious sisters. 

[if PPGENDER=MALE] 

Q3a - Have you ever considered becoming a Catholic priest or brother?

  1. Yes
  2. No 

[if PPGENDER=FEMALE]  

Q3b - Have you ever considered becoming a Catholic religious sister?

  1. Yes
  2. No  

[if Q3a=1 or Q3b=1; has considered a vocation] 

Q3c  - How seriously would you say you have considered this?

  1. Very seriously
  2. Somewhat seriously
  3. Only a little seriously
  4. Not seriously at all  

[if Q3a=1 or Q3b=1; has considered a vocation] 

Q3d - Were you considering a vocation to any particular religious order?

  1. Yes
  2. No

[if Q3d=1; considered religious order] 

Q3e - Which religious order was this?

_________________________________________  

[if Q3a=1 or Q3b=1; has considered a vocation] 

Q3f - When in your life did you first consider a religious vocation?

  1. Before you were a teenager
  2. 13 to 18 years old
  3. 19 to 24 years old
  4. 25 to 29 years old
  5. 30 or older
  6. I am currently considering this  

[if Q3a=2 or Q3b=2; has never considered a vocation] 

Q3g  - Why do you think you have never considered this?

___________________________________________________  

Q4 - While you were growing up, was your mother Catholic?

  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. Not applicable (e.g., you did not grow up with your mother)  

[if Q4=1; grew up with Catholic mother] 

Q4a - Before becoming a parent, do you know if your mother ever prepared to become a religious sister, for example by entering a religious community?

  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. I don’t know  

Q5 - While you were growing up, was your father Catholic?

  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. Not applicable (e.g., you did not grow up with your father) 

[if Q5=1; grew up with Catholic father] 

Q5a  - Before becoming a parent, did your father ever study to become a priest or brother, for example by entering a seminary or religious community?

  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. I don’t know 

Q6       Were you ever encouraged to consider a vocation [if male: as a priest or religious brother;  if female: as a religious sister] by any of  these people?

  1. Mother
  2. Father
  3. Grandfather
  4. Grandmother
  5. Other family members (other than a  parent or grandparent)
  6. Friend or co-worker
  7. Parishioner from the church you attend
  8. Parish priest/priest chaplain
  9. Deacon
  10. Youth Minister
  11. Campus Minister
  12. Teacher/catechist
  13. Religious sister
  14. Religious brother
  15. Military Chaplain
  16. Bishop
  17. Other; specify:______________________

Q7       Were you ever discouraged  from considering a vocation [if male: as a priest or religious if brother; if female: as a religious sister]  by any of these people?

  1. Mother
  2. Father
  3. Grandfather
  4. Grandmother
  5. Other family members (other than a  parent or grandparent)
  6. Friend or co-worker
  7. Parishioner from the church you attend
  8. Parish priest/priest chaplain
  9. Deacon
  10. Youth Minister
  11. Campus Minister
  12. Teacher/catechist
  13. Religious sister
  14. Religious brother
  15. Military Chaplain
  16. Bishop
  17. Other; specify:______________________

Q8       While you were  growing up (as either a child or teenager) was there anybody in your extended family (uncle, aunt, sibling, cousin) who was a …?

  1. Catholic priest
  2. Religious brother
  3. Seminarian
  4. Religious sister

Q9       Outside of  family members, while you were growing up (as either a child or teenager) did you ever get to know a…?

  1. Catholic priest
  2. Religious brother
  3. Seminarian
  4. Religious sister

Q10     Did you ever  attend any of the following?

  1. Catholic primary school (preschool  through grade 8)
  2. Catholic secondary school (grades 9  through 12)
  3. Catholic college or university
  4. Catholic seminary
  5. None of the above     

[if Q10=1 TO 4; attended]    

Q10a  
How  many total years have you had in Catholic education? ________

[if Q10=2; attended a Catholic high school]   
         
Q10b  
You  indicated enrollment at a Catholic secondary school. Please provide               
the name and city of the institution(s) you attended below:

________________________________________________________

[if Q10=3 or 4; attended a Catholic college, university, or  seminary]

Q10c  
You  indicated enrollment at a Catholic college, university, or seminary. Please provide the name and city the institution(s) you attended  below:

________________________________________________________

Q11     Did you ever attend parish-based religious education (e.g., CCD or PSR)?

  1. Yes
  2. No

[if Q11=1; attended parish-based religious education]   
     
Q11a  
How  many total years did you attend parish-based religious education? 

________________________

Q12     Aside from  parish-based religious education, did you ever participate in any of the following?

  1. Parish youth group or Life Teen during  elementary or middle school years
  2. Parish youth group, Life Teen, or high  school campus ministry during high school years
  3. Parish young adult group
  4. Campus  ministry during college

[if Q1=1 OR Q1a=1, 2; Catholic during high school years]

Q13    
During high  school, how often did you typically attend weekend Catholic Mass?

  1. Rarely or never                                                                       
  2. A few times a year
  3. Once or twice a month
  4. Almost every week
  5. Every week    

[if Q1=1 OR Q1a=1, 2; Catholic during high school years]

Q14    
During your  high school years, how important was your Catholic faith to you?

  1. The most important part of my life
  2. Among the most important parts of my  life
  3. Important, but so were many other  areas of my life
  4. Not too important in my life
  5. Not important in my life at all

[if Q1=1 OR Q1a=1, 2; Catholic during high school years]

Q15    
During your  high school years, how often, if ever, did your parents talk to you about religion?         

  1. Never
  2. Rarely
  3. Less than once a week
  4. At least once a week
  5. Daily

Q16     How many  brothers and sisters do you have (including half-siblings or step-siblings)?

________

[if Q16>=1; had siblings]       

Q16a 
What  is your birth order (e.g. youngest, eldest, 2nd of four)?

_____________________

IF Q16=1, SHOW THE OPTIONS AS BELOW:

  1. Eldest
  2. Youngest

IF q16>=2, SHOW THE OPTIONS AS BELOW:

  1. Eldest
  2. 2nd
  3. 3rd
  4. Youngest

Q17     Do  you ever participate in any of these prayer practices or groups on a regular  basis?         

  1. Eucharistic Adoration
  2. Prayer group
  3. Religious retreats
  4. Bible study/Lectio Divina                                            
  5. Popular devotions (e.g., passion play,  Stations of the Cross, processions, rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy)
  6. Pilgrimage
  7. Quinceañera
  8. Home shrine

Q18     Have  you served in any of these ministries in a Catholic parish?

  1. Altar server                                        
  2. Lector                                     
  3. Minister of Holy Communion
  4. Cantor or music ministry                    
  5. Usher/minister of hospitality  
  6. Catechist                                            
  7. RCIA team member/sponsor
  8. Youth ministry
  9. Young adult ministry
  10. High School campus ministry
  11. None of above [SP]

[Q18=11 OR REFUSED]
     
Q18a  
Would you  be interested in serving in any one of these ministries in the future?

  1. Yes
  2. No

Have you ever encouraged someone you know to become a…?

Q19a   Priest

  1. Yes
  2. No

Q19b   Religious  brother

Q19c   Religious sister

[SHOW THE ITEM(S) SELECTED 2 “NO” IN Q19A- Q19C; have never  encouraged]

Would you  encourage someone else you know to become a…?

Q19d   Priest

  1. Yes
  2. No

Q19e   Religious brother

Q19f    Religious sister

[SHOW THE ITEM(S) SELECTED 1 “YES” IN Q19A- Q19C; have  encouraged]

Would you  ever encourage someone in your own family to become a

Q19g   Priest

  1. Yes
  2. No

Q19h   Religious brother

Q19i    Religious sister

[TEXT BOX, if Q19a-Q19c=2 OR Q19g-Q19i=2; has not/would not  encourage]
                         
Q19j    Why  wouldn’t you encourage someone for this vocation(s)?

_______________________________________________

Q20     How important  is your Catholic faith in your daily life now?  Is it. . .

  1. The most important part of my life
  2. Among the most important parts of my  life
  3. Important, but so are many other areas  of my life
  4. Not too important in my life
  5. Not important in my life at all

Q21     Are you or your  family registered at a Catholic parish?

  1. Yes
  2. No

[iF Q21=1]

Q21a   Do you regularly  attend Mass at this parish?

  1. Yes
  2. No

Q22     Which of the  following statements best agrees with your belief about the Eucharist/Holy Communion?

  1. Jesus Christ is really present in the  bread and wine of the Eucharist.
  2. Bread and wine are symbols of Jesus,  but Jesus is not really present.

How important are the following factors to your sense of  what it means to be a Catholic?
 
Q23a   Receiving the  Eucharist/Holy Communion

  1. Very important
  2. Somewhat important
  3. A little important
  4. Not important at all

Q23b   Attending Sunday  Mass each week

Q23c   Helping the poor

Q23d   Protecting life  (e.g., opposing abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty)

Q23e   Going to  Reconciliation or Confession regularly

Q23f    Living my life  consistent with Church teaching

Q23g   Having devotion  to Mary

Q23h   Having devotions  to the Saints

Q23i    Being involved  with my parish (e.g., youth ministry, music groups, visiting prisoners, care of the sick)

Q24     Do you ever  pray the rosary?

  1. Yes
  2. No

[if  Q24=1; prays  rosary]

Q24a  Would  you say you pray the rosary…

  1. Less than once a year                                                             
  2. A few times a year
  3. Once or twice a month
  4. Almost every week
  5. Every week                            
  6. More than once a week
  7. Every day

[if  Q24=1; prays  rosary]

Q24b  
When  praying the rosary are you most often…

  1. Praying alone
  2. Praying with family
  3. Praying with a group

Which of the following Catholic sacraments have you  celebrated?

Q25a   First  Reconciliation or Confession

  1. Yes
  2. No

Q25b   First Communion/Eucharist

Q25c   Sacrament of  Confirmation

[PPAGE >=16]

Q26    
Have you ever participated in the Catholic Church’s World Youth Day?

  1. Yes
  2. No

Q27     Have you ever  participated in the National Catholic Youth Conference?

  1. Yes
  2. No

Q28     In the next 12  months, how likely are you to attend Mass on feast days devoted to Mary, such as the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception or the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe in December?

  1. Not at all likely                                                                      
  2. Only a little likely      
  3. Somewhat likely
  4. Very likely

[if Q28 =2 TO 4; a little likely or more to celebrate feast  days]

Q28a 
Do you usually attend Mass on a feast day for Mary that is associated with your nationality  or ethnicity?

  1. Yes
  2. No

Q29     Do you belong  to any groups or organizations that encourage devotion to Mary?

  1. Yes
  2. No

Q30     Have you ever  volunteered to be part of a service project that helped people in need?

  1. Yes
  2. No

[if Q30=1; has volunteered]   

Q30a              
Was this service done…
(Check  all that apply)

  1. In your community
  2. Outside of your community somewhere in  the United States
  3. Outside of your community somewhere  outside of the United States

[if Q30=2 has not volunteered]

Q30b              
Have you ever considered volunteering to be part of a service project that helped people  in need?

  1. Yes
  2. No

Q31     Do you recall if someone from a diocese or religious order ever came to your school or parish to speak to you and other young  people about vocations (i.e., a vocations director)?

  1. Yes
  2. No

[if Q31=1; recalls visit]          

Q31a              
How much would you say this visit encouraged you to more seriously consider a religious vocation at that time?

  1. Not at all
  2. A little bit
  3. Somewhat
  4. Very much

Q32     Which of the  following have you done in the last 12-months?

  1. Watched religious or spiritual content on television
  2. Watched religious or spiritual video content online (e.g., youtube.com)
  3. Listened to religious or spiritual programing on broadcast radio
  4. Listened to religious or spiritual audio programs online
  5. Read content from a religious or spiritual website or blog
  6. Read a print copy of a religious or spiritual magazine or newspaper
  7. Read a religious or spiritual magazine or newspaper online
  8. Purchased a print copy of a religious or spiritual book
  9. Purchased a religious or spiritual e-book (e.g., for Kindle, Nook)
  10. Read a print copy of a religious or spiritual book
  11. Read a religious or spiritual e-book  (e.g., for Kindle, Nook)
  12. Followed religious or spiritual related  tweets on twitter.com
  13. Followed religious or spiritual related pages and/or posts on facebook.com
  14. Visited a website about vocations
  15. Visited the website for your diocese
  16. Visited the website for your parish
  17. Visited a website of a Catholic school, college, or seminary
  18. Visited a website of a Catholic charity or social service agency
  19. Visited the website for the U.S. Bishops Conference (usccb.org)
  20. Visited  the Vatican website (vatican.va)
  21. None of these

[if Q32=1 TO 20; SHOW THE OPTIONS SELECTED IN Q32]   

Q32a  
Using  the numbers for the questions you just answered, please indicate which one of these you do most often? ___.

[if Q32=1 TO 20; SHOW THE OPTIONS SELECTED IN Q32]

Q32b  
Using  the numbers for the questions above, please indicate which one of these is most  important to you? ___.

Q33     Outside of  attending Mass, about how often did you read the Bible or pray with Scripture during  the last 12 months?

  1. Rarely or never                                                                       
  2. A few times a year
  3. Once or twice a month
  4. Almost every week
  5. Every week
  6. More than once a week
  7. Every day                   

Q34     How important  would you say prayer is in your life?

  1. Among the most important parts of my  life
  2. Important, but so are many other areas  of my life
  3. Not too important in my life
  4. Not important in my life at all

Q35     Which of the  following descriptions of God comes closest to your own point of view?
 

  1. God is both engaged in the world and a judge punishing those who are unfaithful or  ungodly
  2. God is a positive influence in the word that loves unconditionally, helping us in spite of our failings
  3. God is judgmental of humans, but rarely acts on Earth, reserving final judgment for the afterlife
  4. God is a cosmic force that set the  laws of nature in motion that stands apart from the world He created
  5. None of the above

Q36     Which of these statements comes closest to your own point of view?

  1. God is one with whom people can have a relationship
  2. God is an impersonal force
  3. None of the above

[Questions M1 TO M7: If PPGENDER=MALE]

M1       A permanent deacon is an ordained man, either married or single, who may proclaim the  Gospel, preach, and teach in the name of the Church, baptize, lead the faithful in prayer, witness  marriages, and conduct wake and funeral services. Deacons are also leaders in identifying the needs of others, then marshalling the Church's resources to meet those needs. Have you ever considered becoming a permanent deacon? 

  1. Yes
  2. No

[if M1=1; has considered]

M1a    
Would  you say you have considered becoming a permanent deacon…

  1. Very seriously
  2. Somewhat seriously
  3. Only a little seriously
  4. Not seriously at all

M2       A lay ecclesial minister is someone with professional training working or volunteering in a ministry at least part-time for a Catholic parish or other Church organization (for example, director of  religious education, pastoral associate, youth minister, campus chaplain, or hospital chaplain). Have you ever considered serving in the Church as a lay ecclesial minister?

  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. I  am currently serving as a lay ecclesial minister

[if M2=1; has considered]

M2a    
Would you say you have considered  becoming a lay ecclesial minister…

  1. Very  seriously
  2. Somewhat  seriously
  3. Only  a little seriously
  4. Not  seriously at all

M3       Have you ever participated in any of these Church-related programs, groups, or activities?

  1. Boy Scouts                 
  2. Parish youth group                             
  3. Parish young adult group
  4. Catholic campus ministry/Newman Center                                       
  5. Religious institute volunteer (e.g., Jesuit Volunteer Corps)
  6. Pro-Life events/groups
  7. St. Vincent de Paul Society
  8. Knights of Columbus
  9. Legion of Mary          
  10. Charismatic Renewal
  11. Communion and Liberation
  12. Cursillo
  13. Jóvenes para Cristo
  14. Juan XXIII
  15. Movimiento Familiar Cristiano
  16. Neochatecumenal Way
  17. Other, specify:  ______________________________________

[if Q3a=2 or Q3c=3, 4; never considered OR has considered  but only a little or not at all]

Previously you indicated that you [if Q3a=2: have never; if  Q3c=3, 4: have not very seriously] considered becoming a priest or religious brother. How much, if at all, were the reasons listed below related to this?

M4a     The celibacy requirement

  1. Very much
  2. Somewhat
  3. Only a little
  4. Not at all

M4b     Disagreement with some of the Catholic Church’s teachings

M4c     Stigma of the Catholic clergy sex abuse issue

M4d    Never felt  invited by the Catholic Church to consider a religious vocation

M4e     Concern that  the economic needs of my family would not be met

M4f     I am not very religious

M4g     The lifestyle and work is not what I prefer

M4h     Education requirements

M4i      Student loan debt

M4j      Citizenship requirements

M4k     It would feel like a downward move in terms of social class

M4l      I’ve just never really thought about it

M4m    Vow of poverty

M4n     Vow of obedience

M4o     My family would not approve

M4p     Don’t feel holy enough for a religious vocation

M4q     God is not calling me to a religious vocation

M4r     Would not want to give up my freedom

M4s     I can do God’s will without becoming a priest or religious brother

M4t     I would be  physically unable

M4u     My material needs would not be met

M4v     I want to be a father

M4w    Other;  specify:__________________________________

[SHOW THE ITEMS OF M4a TO M4w]

M4x     Of the issues  listed above which would you consider to be the most important reason for not considering a vocation?  _____________

[if Q3a=1; considered and Q3c=1,2; has considered somewhat or very seriously]

Previously you indicated that you have considered becoming a  priest or religious brother. How much, if at all, were the following related to  your interest in this?

M5a     Being ordained  as a priest

  1. Very much
  2. Somewhat
  3. Only a little
  4. Not at all

M5b     Being a parish priest

M5c     Having an active  religious life devoted to ministry and service

M5d    Having a  contemplative religious life devoted to prayer and community

M5e     Being a high school chaplain

M5f     Being a priest  teacher

How much do you agree or disagree with the each of the  following statements?

M6a     Catholic  priests are overworked and underpaid

  1. Very much
  2. Somewhat
  3. Only a  little
  4. Not at all
  5. Don’t know

M6b     The Catholic Church is closing many of its parishes and will not need as many priests in the future

M6c     Ordination confers on the priest a permanent character which makes him different from the laity within the Catholic Church

M6d    Catholic priests are well respected in my community

M6e     The Catholic  Church in the United States has too few priests

M6f     Catholic priests have more economic security than most

M6e     I understand  well what religious brothers do

M6g     Diocesan priests, religious priests, and religious brothers do important work

M7       Have you  participated in any of these vocation/discernment programs?
(Check all  that apply)

  1. Andrew Dinner          
  2. “Come and See” experience  
  3. Vocation retreat         
  4. Live-in experience
  5. Vocations presentation at school or parish

[Questions: F1 TO F6: If PPGENDER=FEMALE]:

F1        A lay ecclesial minister is someone with professional training working or volunteering in a ministry at least part-time for a Catholic parish or other Church organization (for example, director of  religious education, pastoral associate, youth minister, campus chaplain, or  hospital chaplain). Have you ever considered serving in the Church as a lay ecclesial minister?

  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. I  am currently serving as a lay ecclesial minister

[If F1=1; has considered]      

F1a     
Would you say you have considered  becoming a lay ecclesial minister…

  1. Very  seriously
  2. Somewhat  seriously
  3. Only  a little seriously
  4. Not  seriously at all

F2        Have you ever participated in any of these Church-related programs, groups, or activities?

  1. Girl Scouts                 
  2. Parish youth group                             
  3. Parish young adult group
  4. Catholic campus ministry/Newman Center                                       
  5. Religious institute volunteer (e.g., Mercy Corps)
  6. Pro-Life events/groups
  7. St. Vincent de Paul Society
  8. Amor en Acción
  9. Charismatic Renewal
  10. Communion and Liberation
  11. Cursillo
  12. Jóvenes para Cristo
  13. Juan XXIII
  14. Movimiento Familiar Cristiano
  15. Neochatecumenal Way
  16. Other, specify:  ______________________________________

[ if Q3b=2 OR Q3c=3,4; never considered or has considered  but only a little or not at all]

[IF Q3b=2 : have never ;  IF Q3c=3,4: have not very seriously]

Previously you indicated that you considered becoming a religious sister. How much, if at all, were the reasons listed below related to this?

F3a      The celibacy  requirement

  1. Very much
  2. Somewhat
  3. Only a little
  4. Not at all
  5. Don’t know

F3b      Disagreement  with some of the Catholic Church’s teachings

F3c      Stigma of the Catholic clergy sex abuse issue

F3d      Never felt invited by the Catholic Church to consider a religious vocation

F3e      Concern that  the economic needs of my family would not be met

F3f      I am not very religious

F3g      The lifestyle and work is not what I prefer

F3h      Education requirements

F3i       Student loan debt

F3j       Citizenship requirements

F3k      It would feel like a downward move in terms of social class

F3l       I’ve just never really thought about it

F3m     Vow of poverty

F3n      Vow of obedience

F3o      My family would not approve

F3p      Don’t feel holy enough for a religious vocation

F3q      God is not calling me to a religious vocation

F3r       Would not want to give up my freedom

F3s      I can do God’s will without becoming a religious sister

F3t       I would be physically unable

F3u      My material needs would not be met

F3v      I want to be a mother

F3w     Other; specify:__________________________________

[SHOW THE ITEMS OF F3a TO F3w]

F3x      Of the issues  listed above which would you consider to be the most important reason for not considering a vocation?

[if Q3b=1 and Q3c=1,2 ; considered  OR has considered somewhat or very seriously]

Previously you indicated that you have considered becoming a  religious sister. How much, if at all, were the following related to your interest in this?

F4a      Having an active religious life devoted to ministry and service

  1. Very much
  2. Somewhat
  3. Only a little
  4. Not at all

F4b      Having a  contemplative religious life devoted to prayer and community

How much do you agree or disagree with the each of the  following statements?

F5a      Religious  sisters are overworked and underappreciated

  1. Very much
  2. Somewhat
  3. Only a  little
  4. Not at all

F5b      The Catholic Church is closing many of its schools and relinquishing its hospitals and will not need as many religious sisters in the future

F5c      Religious sisters should wear habits

F5d      Religious sisters are well respected in my community

F5e      The Catholic Church in the United States has too few religious sisters

F5f      Religious sisters have more economic security than most

F5g      Religious sisters do important work

F5h      I understand what religious sisters do

F6        Have you participated in any of these vocation/discernment programs?

  1. “Nun Run”     
  2. “Come and See” experience  
  3. Vocation retreat         
  4. Live-in experience
  5. Vocations presentation at school or  parish

Demographics

D1       Were you born  in the United States?

  1. Yes
  2. No

[if D1=2]        

D2a    
When  did you first move to the United States?

  1. Before you were a teenager
  2. 13 to 18 years old
  3. 19 to 24 years old
  4. 25 to 29 years old
  5. 30 or older

[if D1=2]

D2b     In what country  were you born? ____________________________

D3       What is your  race or ethnicity?

  1. Caucasian/European American/white
  2. African/African American/black
  3. Hispanic/Latino(a)
  4. Asian/Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian
  5. Native American/Alaska Native
  6. Other:_____________________________________

Vocations Questionnaire

This survey is being conducted as part of a Georgetown  University academic research project.  All of your responses are completely confidential and will only be  reported together with those of all other respondents in national figures or  subgroup totals (e.g., female respondents, respondents under age 25). 

SCREEN1      What is  your religion? 
1          Catholic 
2          Protestant
3          Orthodox
4          Jewish
5          Muslim           
6          Other religion
7          No religion
[IF SCREEN1=1, GO TO  Q1]

Q1       Were you  baptized Catholic as an infant or did you become Catholic later in your life?
1          Baptized  Catholic as an infant
2          Became Catholic later in life

[if Q1=2; converted to Catholicism]  
Q1a    
About  how old were you when you first became Catholic?
1          Before you were a teenager
2          13 to 17 years old
3          18 to 24 years old
4          25 or older

[if Q1a=3, 4; adult convert]
Q1b    
Did  you go through the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA), the formal process                              that brings adult converts  into the Catholic Church?
1          Yes
2          No

[if Q1a=3, 4; adult convert]
Q1c    
What was your religion before  becoming Catholic?
1          Protestant
2          Orthodox
3          Jewish
4          Muslim           
5          Other religion
6          No religion

 

Q2       Aside from  weddings and funerals, about how often do you attend Catholic Mass? 
1          Rarely or never                                                                       
2          A few times a year
3          Once or twice a month
4          Almost every week
5          Every week
6          More than once a week

Some of the questions in this survey are about Catholic  religious vocations. These include men who become priests or religious  brothers, as well as women who become religious sisters.

[if PPGENDER=MALE]
Q3a     Have you ever  considered becoming a Catholic priest or brother?
1          Yes
2          No

[if PPGENDER=FEMALE]
Q3b     Have you ever  considered becoming a Catholic religious sister?

  1. Yes
  2. No

[if Q3a=1 or Q3b=1; has considered a vocation]
Q3c      
How  seriously would you say you have considered this?
1          Very seriously
2          Somewhat seriously
3          Only a little seriously
4          Not seriously at all

[if Q3a=1 or Q3b=1; has considered a vocation]
Q3d    
Were  you considering a vocation to any particular religious order?
1          Yes
2          No

[if Q3d=1; considered religious order]                      
Q3e    
Which  religious order was this?
_________________________________________

[if Q3a=1 or Q3b=1; has considered a vocation]      
Q3f     
When  in your life did you first consider a religious vocation?
1          Before you were a teenager
2          13 to 18 years old
3          19 to 24 years old
4          25 to 29 years old
5          30 or older
6          I am currently considering this

[if Q3a=2 or Q3b=2; has never considered a vocation]
Q3g      
Why  do you think you have never considered this?
___________________________________________________

Q4       While you were  growing up, was your mother Catholic?
1          Yes
2          No
3          Not applicable (e.g., you did not grow  up with your mother)

[if Q4=1; grew up with Catholic mother]
Q4a    
Before  becoming a parent, do you know if your mother ever prepared to become a                         religious  sister, for example by entering a religious community?
1          Yes
2          No
3          I don’t know

Q5       While you were  growing up, was your father Catholic?
1          Yes
2          No
3          Not  applicable (e.g., you did not grow up with your father)

[if Q5=1; grew up with Catholic father]
Q5a    
Before  becoming a parent, did your father ever study to become a priest or
brother,  for example by entering a seminary or religious community?
1          Yes
2          No
3          I don’t know

Q6       Were you ever  encouraged to consider a vocation [if male: as a priest or religious brother;  if female: as a religious sister] by any of  these people?
1          Mother
2          Father
3          Grandfather
4          Grandmother
5          Other family members (other than a  parent or grandparent)
6          Friend or co-worker
7          Parishioner from the church you attend
8          Parish priest/priest chaplain
9          Deacon
10        Youth Minister
11        Campus Minister
12        Teacher/catechist
13        Religious sister
14        Religious brother
15        Military Chaplain
16        Bishop
17        Other; specify:______________________

Q7       Were you ever discouraged  from considering a vocation [if male: as a priest or religious     if brother; if female: as a religious  sister]  by any of these people?
1          Mother
2          Father
3          Grandfather
4          Grandmother
5          Other family members (other than a  parent or grandparent)
6          Friend or co-worker
7          Parishioner from the church you attend
8          Parish priest/priest chaplain
9          Deacon
10        Youth Minister
11        Campus Minister
12        Teacher/catechist
13        Religious sister
14        Religious brother
15        Military Chaplain
16        Bishop
17        Other; specify:______________________

Q8       While you were  growing up (as either a child or teenager) was there anybody in your         extended family (uncle, aunt, sibling,  cousin) who was a …?
1          Catholic priest
2          Religious brother
3          Seminarian
4          Religious sister

Q9       Outside of  family members, while you were growing up (as either a child or teenager) did             you ever get to know a…?
1          Catholic priest
2          Religious brother
3          Seminarian
4          Religious sister

Q10     Did you ever  attend any of the following?
1          Catholic primary school (preschool  through grade 8)
2          Catholic secondary school (grades 9  through 12)
3          Catholic college or university
4          Catholic seminary
5          None of the above     

[if Q10=1 TO 4; attended]    
Q10a  
How  many total years have you had in Catholic education? ________

[if Q10=2; attended a Catholic high school]             
Q10b  
You  indicated enrollment at a Catholic secondary school. Please provide               
the name and city of the institution(s) you attended below:
________________________________________________________

[if Q10=3 or 4; attended a Catholic college, university, or  seminary]
Q10c  
You  indicated enrollment at a Catholic college, university, or seminary. Please                               provide the name and city the institution(s) you attended  below:
________________________________________________________

Q11     Did you ever attend parish-based religious  education (e.g., CCD or PSR)?
1          Yes
2          No

[if Q11=1; attended parish-based religious education]         
Q11a  
How  many total years did you attend parish-based religious education? 
________________________

Q12     Aside from  parish-based religious education, did you ever participate in any of the            following?
1          Parish youth group or Life Teen during  elementary or middle school years
2          Parish youth group, Life Teen, or high  school campus ministry during high school
years
3          Parish young adult group
4          Campus  ministry during college

[if Q1=1 OR Q1a=1, 2; Catholic during high school years]
Q13    
During high  school, how often did you typically attend weekend Catholic Mass?
1          Rarely or never                                                                       
2          A few times a year
3          Once or twice a month
4          Almost every week
5          Every week    

[if Q1=1 OR Q1a=1, 2; Catholic during high school years]
Q14    
During your  high school years, how important was your Catholic faith to you?
1          The most important part of my life
2          Among the most important parts of my  life
3          Important, but so were many other  areas of my life
4          Not too important in my life
5          Not important in my life at all

[if Q1=1 OR Q1a=1, 2; Catholic during high school years]
Q15    
During your  high school years, how often, if ever, did your parents talk to you about         religion?         
1          Never
2          Rarely
3          Less than once a week
4          At least once a week
5          Daily

Q16     How many  brothers and sisters do you have (including half-siblings or step-           siblings)?________

[if Q16>=1; had siblings]       
Q16a 
What  is your birth order (e.g. youngest, eldest, 2nd of four)?                                                            _____________________

IF Q16=1, SHOW THE OPTIONS AS BELOW:
Eldest
Youngest

IF q16>=2, SHOW THE OPTIONS AS BELOW:
Eldest
2nd
3rd
Youngest

Q17     Do  you ever participate in any of these prayer practices or groups on a regular  basis?         
1          Eucharistic Adoration
2          Prayer group
3          Religious retreats
4          Bible study/Lectio Divina                                            
5          Popular devotions (e.g., passion play,  Stations of the Cross, processions, rosary,                                Chaplet of Divine Mercy)
6          Pilgrimage
7          Quinceañera
8          Home shrine

Q18     Have  you served in any of these ministries in a Catholic parish?
1          Altar server                                        
2          Lector                                     
3          Minister of Holy Communion
4          Cantor or music ministry                    
5          Usher/minister of hospitality  
6          Catechist                                            
7          RCIA team member/sponsor
8          Youth ministry
9          Young adult ministry
10        High School campus ministry
11       None of above [SP]

[Q18=11 OR REFUSED]     
Q18a  
Would you  be interested in serving in any one of these ministries in the future?
1          Yes
2          No

Have you ever encouraged someone you know to become a…?
Q19a   Priest
1          Yes
2          No
Q19b   Religious  brother
Q19c   Religious sister

[SHOW THE ITEM(S) SELECTED 2 “NO” IN Q19A- Q19C; have never  encouraged]
Would you  encourage someone else you know to become a…?
Q19d   Priest
1          Yes
2          No
Q19e   Religious brother
Q19f    Religious sister

[SHOW THE ITEM(S) SELECTED 1 “YES” IN Q19A- Q19C; have  encouraged]
Would you  ever encourage someone in your own family to become a
Q19g   Priest
1          Yes
2          No
Q19h   Religious brother
Q19i    Religious sister

[TEXT BOX, if Q19a-Q19c=2 OR Q19g-Q19i=2; has not/would not  encourage]                          
Q19j   
Why  wouldn’t you encourage someone for this vocation(s)?
_______________________________________________

Q20     How important  is your Catholic faith in your daily life now?  Is it. . .
1          The most important part of my life
2          Among the most important parts of my  life
3          Important, but so are many other areas  of my life
4          Not too important in my life
5          Not important in my life at all

Q21     Are you or your  family registered at a Catholic parish?
1          Yes
2          No

[iF Q21=1]
Q21a   Do you regularly  attend Mass at this parish?
1          Yes
2          No

Q22     Which of the  following statements best agrees with your belief about the Eucharist/Holy  Communion?
1          Jesus Christ is really present in the  bread and wine of the Eucharist.
2          Bread and wine are symbols of Jesus,  but Jesus is not really present.

How important are the following factors to your sense of  what it means to be a Catholic? 
Q23a   Receiving the  Eucharist/Holy Communion
1          Very important
2          Somewhat important
3          A little important
4          Not important at all
Q23b   Attending Sunday  Mass each week
Q23c   Helping the poor
Q23d   Protecting life  (e.g., opposing abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty)
Q23e   Going to  Reconciliation or Confession regularly
Q23f    Living my life  consistent with Church teaching
Q23g   Having devotion  to Mary
Q23h   Having devotions  to the Saints
Q23i    Being involved  with my parish (e.g., youth ministry, music groups, visiting prisoners,         care of the sick)

Q24     Do you ever  pray the rosary?
1          Yes
2          No

[if  Q24=1; prays  rosary]
Q24a  
Would  you say you pray the rosary…
1          Less than once a year                                                             
2          A few times a year
3          Once or twice a month
4          Almost every week
5          Every week                            
6          More than once a week
7          Every day

[if  Q24=1; prays  rosary]
Q24b  
When  praying the rosary are you most often…
1          Praying alone
2          Praying with family
3          Praying with a group

Which of the following Catholic sacraments have you  celebrated?
Q25a   First  Reconciliation or Confession
1=Yes
2=No
Q25b   First Communion/Eucharist
Q25c   Sacrament of  Confirmation

[PPAGE >=16]
Q26    
Have you  ever participated in the Catholic Church’s World Youth Day?
1          Yes
2          No

Q27     Have you ever  participated in the National Catholic Youth Conference?
1          Yes
2          No

Q28     In the next 12  months, how likely are you to attend Mass on feast days devoted to Mary,             such as the Solemnity of the  Immaculate Conception or the Feast of Our Lady of         Guadalupe in  December?
1          Not at all likely                                                                      
2          Only a little likely      
3          Somewhat likely
4          Very likely

[if Q28 =2 TO 4; a little likely or more to celebrate feast  days]
Q28a 
Do  you usually attend Mass on a feast day for Mary that is associated with your                            nationality  or ethnicity?
1          Yes
2          No

Q29     Do you belong  to any groups or organizations that encourage devotion to Mary?
1          Yes
2          No

Q30     Have you ever  volunteered to be part of a service project that helped people in need?
1          Yes
2          No

[if Q30=1; has volunteered]   
Q30a              
Was  this service done…
(Check  all that apply)
1          In your community
2          Outside of your community somewhere in  the United States
3          Outside of your community somewhere  outside of the United States

[if Q30=2 has not volunteered]
Q30b              
Have  you ever considered volunteering to be part of a service project that helped                           people  in need?
1          Yes
2          No

Q31     Do you recall  if someone from a diocese or religious order ever came to your school or      parish to speak to you and other young  people about vocations (i.e., a vocations          director)?
1          Yes
2          No

[if Q31=1; recalls visit]          
Q31a              
How  much would you say this visit encouraged you to more seriously consider a                           religious  vocation at that time?
1          Not at all
2          A little bit
3          Somewhat
4          Very much

Q32     Which of the  following have you done in the last 12-months?
1          Watched religious or spiritual content  on television
2          Watched religious or spiritual video  content online (e.g., youtube.com)
3          Listened to religious or spiritual  programing on broadcast radio
4          Listened to religious or spiritual  audio programs online
5          Read content from a religious or  spiritual website or blog
6          Read a print copy of a religious or  spiritual magazine or newspaper
7          Read a religious or spiritual magazine  or newspaper online
8          Purchased a print copy of a religious  or spiritual book
9          Purchased a religious or spiritual  e-book (e.g., for Kindle, Nook)
10        Read a print copy of a religious or  spiritual book
11        Read a religious or spiritual e-book  (e.g., for Kindle, Nook)
12        Followed religious or spiritual related  tweets on twitter.com
13        Followed religious or spiritual related  pages and/or posts on facebook.com
14        Visited  a website about vocations
15        Visited the website for your diocese
16        Visited the website for your parish
17        Visited  a website of a Catholic school, college, or seminary
18        Visited  a website of a Catholic charity or social service agency
19        Visited  the website for the U.S. Bishops Conference (usccb.org)
20        Visited  the Vatican website (vatican.va)
21        None of these

[if Q32=1 TO 20; SHOW THE OPTIONS SELECTED IN Q32]   
Q32a  
Using  the numbers for the questions you just answered, please indicate which one                                     of these you do most often? ___.

[if Q32=1 TO 20; SHOW THE OPTIONS SELECTED IN Q32]
Q32b  
Using  the numbers for the questions above, please indicate which one of these is                            most  important to you? ___.

Q33     Outside of  attending Mass, about how often did you read the Bible or pray with Scripture            during  the last 12 months?
1          Rarely or never                                                                       
2          A few times a year
3          Once or twice a month
4          Almost every week
5          Every week
6          More than once a week
7          Every day                   

Q34     How important  would you say prayer is in your life?
1          Among the most important parts of my  life
2          Important, but so are many other areas  of my life
3          Not too important in my life
4          Not important in my life at all

Q35     Which of the  following descriptions of God comes closest to your own point of view?

1          God is both engaged in the world and a  judge punishing those who are unfaithful                          or  ungodly
2          God is a positive influence in the  word that loves unconditionally, helping us in                             spite of our failings
3          God is judgmental of humans, but  rarely acts on Earth, reserving final judgment                            for  the afterlife
4          God is a cosmic force that set the  laws of nature in motion that stands apart from                          the world He created
5          None of the above

Q36     Which of these  statements comes closest to your own point of view?
1          God is one with whom people can have a  relationship
2          God is an impersonal force
3          None of the above

 

[Questions M1 TO M7: If PPGENDER=MALE]

M1       A permanent  deacon is an ordained man, either married or single, who may proclaim the  Gospel, preach, and teach in the name of the  Church, baptize, lead the faithful in prayer,     witness  marriages, and conduct wake and funeral services. Deacons are also leaders in  identifying the needs of others, then  marshalling the Church's resources to meet those  needs. Have you ever considered becoming a permanent deacon? 
1          Yes
2          No

[if M1=1; has considered]
M1a    
Would  you say you have considered becoming a permanent deacon…
1          Very seriously
2          Somewhat seriously
3          Only a little seriously
4          Not seriously at all

M2       A lay ecclesial minister is someone with  professional training working or volunteering in a ministry at least part-time  for a Catholic parish or other Church organization (for example, director of  religious education, pastoral associate, youth minister, campus chaplain, or  hospital chaplain). Have you ever considered serving in the Church as a lay  ecclesial minister?
1          Yes
2          No
3          I  am currently serving as a lay ecclesial minister

[if M2=1; has considered]
M2a    
Would you say you have considered  becoming a lay ecclesial minister…
1             Very  seriously
2             Somewhat  seriously
3             Only  a little seriously
4             Not  seriously at all

M3       Have  you ever participated in any of these Church-related programs, groups, or                                 activities?
1          Boy Scouts                 
2          Parish youth group                             
3          Parish young adult group
4          Catholic campus ministry/Newman Center                                       
5          Religious institute volunteer (e.g.,  Jesuit Volunteer Corps)
6          Pro-Life events/groups
7          St. Vincent de Paul Society
8          Knights of Columbus
9          Legion of Mary          
10        Charismatic Renewal
11        Communion and Liberation
12        Cursillo
13        Jóvenes para Cristo
14        Juan XXIII
15        Movimiento Familiar Cristiano
16        Neochatecumenal Way
17        Other, specify:  ______________________________________

[if Q3a=2 or Q3c=3, 4; never considered OR has considered  but only a little or not at all]
Previously you indicated that you [if Q3a=2: have never; if  Q3c=3, 4: have not very seriously] considered becoming a priest or religious  brother. How much, if at all, were the reasons listed below related to this?
M4a     The celibacy  requirement
1          Very much
2          Somewhat
3          Only a little
4          Not at all
M4b     Disagreement  with some of the Catholic Church’s teachings
M4c     Stigma of the  Catholic clergy sex abuse issue
M4d    Never felt  invited by the Catholic Church to consider a religious vocation
M4e     Concern that  the economic needs of my family would not be met
M4f     I am not very  religious
M4g     The lifestyle  and work is not what I prefer
M4h     Education  requirements
M4i      Student loan  debt
M4j      Citizenship  requirements
M4k     It would feel  like a downward move in terms of social class
M4l      I’ve just  never really thought about it
M4m    Vow of poverty
M4n     Vow of  obedience
M4o     My family would  not approve
M4p     Don’t feel holy  enough for a religious vocation
M4q     God is not  calling me to a religious vocation
M4r     Would not want  to give up my freedom
M4s     I can do God’s  will without becoming a priest or religious brother
M4t     I would be  physically unable
M4u     My material  needs would not be met
M4v     I want to be a  father
M4w    Other;  specify:__________________________________

[SHOW THE ITEMS OF M4a TO M4w]
M4x     Of the issues  listed above which would you consider to be the most important                               reason for not considering a vocation?  _____________

[if Q3a=1; considered and Q3c=1,2; has considered somewhat  or very seriously]
Previously you indicated that you have considered becoming a  priest or religious brother. How much, if at all, were the following related to  your interest in this?
M5a     Being ordained  as a priest
1          Very much
2          Somewhat
3          Only a little
4          Not at all
M5b     Being a parish  priest
M5c     Having an active  religious life devoted to ministry and service
M5d    Having a  contemplative religious life devoted to prayer and community
M5e     Being a high  school chaplain
M5f     Being a priest  teacher

How much do you agree or disagree with the each of the  following statements?
M6a     Catholic  priests are overworked and underpaid
1          Very much
2          Somewhat
3          Only a  little
4          Not at all
5          Don’t know
M6b     The Catholic  Church is closing many of its parishes and will not need as many priests in    the future
M6c     Ordination  confers on the priest a permanent character which makes him different from    the laity within the Catholic Church
M6d    Catholic priests  are well respected in my community
M6e     The Catholic  Church in the United States has too few priests
M6f     Catholic  priests have more economic security than most
M6e     I understand  well what religious brothers do
M6g     Diocesan  priests, religious priests, and religious brothers do important work

M7       Have you  participated in any of these vocation/discernment programs?
(Check all  that apply)
1          Andrew Dinner          
2          “Come and See” experience  
3          Vocation retreat         
4          Live-in experience
5          Vocations presentation at school or  parish

[Questions: F1 TO F6: If PPGENDER=FEMALE]:

F1        A lay ecclesial minister is someone with  professional training working or volunteering in a ministry at least part-time  for a Catholic parish or other Church organization (for example, director of  religious education, pastoral associate, youth minister, campus chaplain, or  hospital chaplain). Have you ever considered serving in the Church as a lay  ecclesial minister?
1          Yes
2          No
3          I  am currently serving as a lay ecclesial minister

[If F1=1; has considered]      
F1a     
Would you say you have considered  becoming a lay ecclesial minister…
1             Very  seriously
2             Somewhat  seriously
3             Only  a little seriously
4             Not  seriously at all

F2        Have  you ever participated in any of these Church-related programs, groups, or                                 activities?
1          Girl Scouts                 
2          Parish youth group                             
3          Parish young adult group
4          Catholic campus ministry/Newman Center                                       
5          Religious institute volunteer (e.g.,  Mercy Corps)
6          Pro-Life events/groups
7          St. Vincent de Paul Society
8          Amor en Acción
9          Charismatic Renewal
10        Communion and Liberation
11        Cursillo
12        Jóvenes para Cristo
13        Juan XXIII
14        Movimiento Familiar Cristiano
15        Neochatecumenal Way
16        Other, specify:  ______________________________________

[ if Q3b=2 OR Q3c=3,4; never considered or has considered  but only a little or not at all]
Previously you indicated that you [IF Q3b=2 : have never ;  IF Q3c=3,4: have not very seriously] considered becoming a religious sister.  How much, if at all, were the reasons listed below related to this?
F3a      The celibacy  requirement
1          Very much
2          Somewhat
3          Only a little
4          Not at all
5          Don’t know
F3b      Disagreement  with some of the Catholic Church’s teachings
F3c      Stigma of the  Catholic clergy sex abuse issue
F3d      Never felt  invited by the Catholic Church to consider a religious vocation
F3e      Concern that  the economic needs of my family would not be met
F3f      I am not very  religious
F3g      The lifestyle  and work is not what I prefer
F3h      Education  requirements
F3i       Student loan  debt
F3j       Citizenship  requirements
F3k      It would feel  like a downward move in terms of social class
F3l       I’ve just  never really thought about it
F3m     Vow of poverty
F3n      Vow of  obedience
F3o      My family  would not approve
F3p      Don’t feel  holy enough for a religious vocation
F3q      God is not  calling me to a religious vocation
F3r       Would not  want to give up my freedom
F3s      I can do God’s  will without becoming a religious sister
F3t       I would be  physically unable
F3u      My material  needs would not be met
F3v      I want to be a  mother
F3w     Other;  specify:__________________________________

[SHOW THE ITEMS OF F3a TO F3w]
F3x      Of the issues  listed above which would you consider to be the most important                               reason for not considering a vocation?

[if Q3b=1 and Q3c=1,2 ; considered  OR has considered somewhat or very seriously]
Previously you indicated that you have considered becoming a  religious sister. How much, if at all, were the following related to your  interest in this?
F4a      Having an  active religious life devoted to ministry and service
1          Very much
2          Somewhat
3          Only a little
4          Not at all
F4b      Having a  contemplative religious life devoted to prayer and community
How much do you agree or disagree with the each of the  following statements?
F5a      Religious  sisters are overworked and underappreciated
1          Very much
2          Somewhat
3          Only a  little
4          Not at all
F5b      The Catholic  Church is closing many of its schools and relinquishing its hospitals and        will not need as many religious sisters  in the future
F5c      Religious  sisters should wear habits
F5d      Religious  sisters are well respected in my community
F5e      The Catholic  Church in the United States has too few religious sisters
F5f      Religious  sisters have more economic security than most
F5g      Religious  sisters do important work
F5h      I understand  what religious sisters do

F6        Have you  participated in any of these vocation/discernment programs?
1          “Nun Run”     
2          “Come and See” experience  
3          Vocation retreat         
4          Live-in experience
5          Vocations presentation at school or  parish

Demographics
D1       Were you born  in the United States?

  1. Yes
  2. No

[if D1=2]        
D2a    
When  did you first move to the United States?
1          Before you were a teenager
2          13 to 18 years old
3          19 to 24 years old
4          25 to 29 years old
5          30 or older

[if D1=2]
D2b     In what country  were you born? ____________________________

D3       What is your  race or ethnicity?
1          Caucasian/European American/white
2          African/African American/black
3          Hispanic/Latino(a)
4          Asian/Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian
5          Native American/Alaska Native
6          Other:_____________________________________