Vocations continued to grow through the first half of the 20th century, peaking in the early 1960s. However, during the 1970s All Hallows faced a major challenge to its mission to fulfil Church, society and community needs as fewer students were studying for the priesthood.
This dramatic drop in vocational applications during the 1970s and 1980s, coupled with increased lay engagement in ministry made All Hallows re-imagine its missionary focus in the modern world.
In the early 1980s, the college opened its doors to lay people and to women and introduced a range of new programmes on pastoral leadership, lay ministry and adult faith formation. A sabbatical programme was also developed, offering people the opportunity to take time out and reflect.