The Catholic Diocese of Wichita has emerged as a leader in key metrics measuring vocations to the priesthood, according to a recent national statistical analysis. The "State of Priestly Vocations Report – 2025 Update," released on January 20 by Vocation Ministry, examines trends affecting priestly vocations across the United States. Vocation Ministry is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a culture of vocations within parishes, schools, and families.

Wichita's diocese is highlighted for its success in attracting men to its diocesan priesthood. Bishop Carl Kemme attributes this success primarily to the presence of adoration chapels throughout the diocese. "Adoration chapels abound in our diocese, with many of them offering perpetual adoration," he said. "I sincerely believe this is the greatest factor in our recruiting efforts."

The report analyzes several areas related to priestly vocations, including ordination trends from 2014-2023, a priestly availability index, total active priests, seminarian discern-out rates, and Catholic marriage trends. It categorizes dioceses into four tiers based on their Catholic populations.

In two significant metrics, Wichita leads not only its Tier Three subset but all dioceses overall. In one metric known as the "priest replacement rate," Wichita scores 195%, while Nashville follows at 111% and Lincoln at 107%. Over the past decade, Wichita maintains its lead with a rate of 255%, followed by Nashville at 170% and Springfield at 160%.

Bishop Kemme also credits factors such as active Serra Clubs, strong Catholic education systems, high Sunday mass attendance, and numerous young priests for contributing to Wichita's vocational success. The diocese promotes vocations through various programs including outreach on university campuses and an annual Quo Vadis retreat.

"We need good, holy and healthy priests," Bishop Kemme stated in a video on the Diocese of Wichita website. He emphasized that developing spirituality and fraternity begins from day one at their St. Joseph House of Formation.

The full study is available at VocationMinistry.com.