All the women who responded to this survey still identify themselves as Catholic, however far they may have strayed from a consistent practice of the faith they were raised in.

America spoke to a number of young women religious about the vital contributions they and their fellow sisters make to the Catholic Church.

This issue of America presents the findings of the most comprehensive survey of U.S. Catholic women ever conducted.

The church may benefit from a more deliberate effort to reach out to Catholic women.

New data from the most comprehensive survey of American Catholic women ever conducted.