(Young) sisterhood is strong. (News: signs of the times).

CHICAGO -- While the average age of American nuns inches higher each year, that doesn't mean there aren't 20- and 30-something women joining the sisterhood--they're just a little harder to find. The next generation was out in full force, however, at a recent three-day gathering for young sisters.

Almost 400 sisters age 50 and younger (along with 150 older sisters) took part in "Gathering Voices for the Future," a conference June 14-16 at Loyola University Chicago. The third and largest such gathering since three young sisters met over the Internet in the 1990s, it was sponsored by 36 women's congregations and Giving Voice, a newsletter for younger nuns.

Sister Kristin Matthes, S.N.D.deN., 36, one of the conference planners, told the National Catholic Reporter that young sisters can often become marginalized in their older communities. "We needed to get together to share ideas," she said.

"I go home with challenges," said Sister Michele Kelly, S.N.D. of Cleveland. "But I am going home believing there is a future."