"...no matter the size of the incoming classes or first professed religious, it never covers the number of religious who retire...."

Yes, and reaching out to sources in the Jesuit order and Holy Cross at Notre Dame, you see that. JESUIT MAGAZINE provides excellent data. Since 2000, well over 100 Jesuits have been ordained in the American Provinces. 50 years ago, that number would have been 400. In Holy Cross, Notre Dame, since 2000, 52 Holy Cross priests have been ordained in the US (and 43 abroad). 50 years ago, that number would have been at least 100 or 120 ordinations of Holy Cross priests in the US. Anyway, it isn't like there are no vocations coming to these communities. And that was my point: though lay groups will continue to recruit more, religious communities will still attract a number of young people who opt for a traditional religious community or communal living in Christ. Indeed, both these religious communities have a critical mass of young priests for service.