10.26193/J0M2AA
Boyle, Theresa
Queensland Regional Conference of Major Superiors
Turner, Naomi
Queensland Regional Conference of Major Superiors
Survey of Religious Sisters, Queensland, 1983
ADA Dataverse
2019
One of the major aims of this study was to update statistical data relating to religious sisters in Queensland. The last survey was undertaken in 1976, with the results being published in the draft report of the 'National Statistical Survey of Religious Personnel: Australia - 1976'. The updated study is to show the main statistical trends among religious sisters in Queensland by contrasting statistics of 1983 with those of 1976 by gathering opinions of the leaders of religious sisters concerning their present situation and emerging trends in religious life; collating information on their attitudes towards aspects of religious life; and establishing their opinions on the ministry and future directions within the Catholic Church. The purpose of the survey is to: 1. provide information that may assist the leaders of religious sisters in Queensland in their decision-making and in their future planning; and 2. deepen the understanding of some present trends in religious life in Queensland today for sisters, clergy and laity. The study falls into two parts. Part one consists of the information returned by sisters in their position as major superiors or their representatives, of religious congregations in Queensland. These congregation leaders were asked about the numbers of sisters in their congregation, their birthplace if outside Australia, and the numbers of postulants and temporarily professed sisters, as well as a few on the future of their congregation. This information does not form part of the dataset supplied. Part two is comprised of information provided by individual sisters within these congregations. Respondents were asked about their motivation to enter religious life; religious life within the church; feelings on their vows; importance of spirituality and prayer; satisfaction with their community life and opinions on different aspects of the ministry and the future of the Church. Details were collected on age and number of years in the order. Factual data has been presented with no attempt to interpret or to analyse its implications. Where opinions have been asked and given either by a major superior or an individual sister we, the writers, have sought to be objective in our collation of such opinions.
Australian Data Archive
Australian National University
The Intercongregational Research Group, Queensland