CENTER FOR APPLIED RESEARCH IN THE APOSTOLATE
Placing Social Science Research at the Service of the Catholic Church Since 1964
Latest News
Recalling Black Bishops in the United States
In July the Archdiocese of Washington celebrated the installation Mass of Bishop Robert Boxie III and Bishop Gary Studniewski. The ordination of Bishop Robert Boxie was of particular recognition as he is the first African American to be ordained a bishop in almost a decade. He is also now the youngest bishop in the United States. During the 237 years that Catholic dioceses have existed in the United States, there have been a total of 29 Black bishops. Read more about their stories below.
Latest News
The 2026 Statistical Overviews of Lay, Deacon, and Priestly Formation is available now!
These summaries provide relevant data on enrollment for lay, diaconate, and priestly formation. Includes:
Information on high school, college, pre-theology, and theology level programs
Diocesan programs for the formation of permanent deacons
Diocesan-sponsored lay programs as well as programs affiliated with universities, seminaries, and schools of theology
Latest News
Experiences of Race, Diversity, and Racism: A National Survey of Adult Catholics
This report presents findings from a national survey of adult Catholics about experiences and attitudes about race, prejudice and racial justice. The study examines Catholics’ feelings towards institutions, leaders, racial/ethnic groups, and social movements. It also includes other general data collected in CARA national polls such as Sacraments received, education levels, and political party affiliation. This dataset is nationally representative.
Read the full report by clicking below:
Our Mission
To increase the Church’s self understanding;
To serve the applied research needs of Church decision-makers;
To advance scholarly research on religion, particularly Catholicism.
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