Catholics face a shortage of priests

There are only two Shakers left. They’ve still got utopia in their sights.*
The New York Times: To join, prospective Shakers had to divest themselves of their worldly attachments — property, marriages, debts — and dissolve their families.

A new kind of chaplain is helping people deal with ‘climate grief’
NPR: The eco-chaplain is a 21st century invention, and while no one knows exactly how many there are, chaplaincy experts agree that the number is likely less than 100.

Religious education and the meaning of life*
The Atlantic: Figuring out what it’s all about is humanity’s most important shared project. Does religion have a role to play?

Women posing problems*
The Christian Century: In the gospels and in the world today, women get in the way and make the world new.

Catholics face a shortage of priests. But one Indonesian seminary is overwhelmed with applicants
The Associated Press: Pope Francis’ upcoming trip to Indonesia is putting a spotlight on the 8.6 million Catholics who make up 3% of the population.