Good Friday Posted April 27, 2004 Posted April 27, 2004 [url="http://www.beliefnet.com/story/145/story_14501_1.html"]BeliefNet is reporting that 3,000 parishes were without a priest last year[/url], meaning that 3,000 parishes were, at times, without the Eucharist because there was no priest to celebrate the Mass. Given the Holy Father's insistence on the Eucharist's supreme importance, a fact we should all agree upon, what are we going to do about this?
Fiat_Voluntas_Tua Posted April 27, 2004 Posted April 27, 2004 If guys knew what took place on the Altar there would never be a shortage of priests. We need to pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and religous life. Pax et Agape per Maria, Andy
Livin_the_MASS Posted April 27, 2004 Posted April 27, 2004 [quote name='thywillbedone7' date='Apr 26 2004, 10:51 PM'] If guys knew what took place on the Altar there would never be a shortage of priests. We need to pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and religous life. Pax et Agape per Maria, Andy [/quote] I agree say a Holy Rosary for an increase in vocations! Amen! And a Chaplet of Divine Mercy! God Bless Jason PS I thought the number of vocations were going up?
Good Friday Posted April 27, 2004 Author Posted April 27, 2004 [quote][b]Dave writes:[/b] Where'd they get those findings?[/quote] I'm not sure, and I do hold them somewhat suspect considering the source, but I know that it is true that many parishes went without a priest last year, even if the exact number isn't 3,000. If someone has a more accurate number and/or source, I'd appreciate if they'd provide it, as I don't know where else to look for one. Okay, so we've established that we should pray for vocations. Good, I agree. What else should we do?
PedroX Posted April 27, 2004 Posted April 27, 2004 GF, The 3,000 number seems a bit higher than what I had heard previously, but not outrageous. The AP last week did a story on how 30% or mainline protestants don't have a pastor. Interesting, huh? I think some parishes should probably be closed, starting with the annoying suburban ones. We also need to actively recruit and support vocations. The process is a difficult one, and there are not enough people supporting vocations. Also, encourage your Bishop to get involved in vocations recruitment. Ours has, and it has made a big difference. Last fall he held a retreat where he talked about his vocation, hung out with the guys for a while, and celebrated mass for us. It was very cool, and 3 guys from that retreat are now in the process of affliating with the diocese. peace...
cmotherofpirl Posted April 27, 2004 Posted April 27, 2004 In our diocese we have 7 parishes that share a priest but they are little parishes.
homeschoolmom Posted April 27, 2004 Posted April 27, 2004 [quote name='PedroX' date='Apr 27 2004, 07:27 AM'] I think some parishes should probably be closed, starting with the annoying suburban ones. [/quote] Hey!!! Some of us loathe the idea of driving 45 minutes to church (Not saying wouldn't or couldn't)... If our parish was closed, where would you fit the over two thousand of us in your urban parish or rural parish? and what about our school? We only have two priests... I'd happily donate my two sons to the priesthood...
Dave Posted April 27, 2004 Posted April 27, 2004 You know what has helped increase the number of vocations here in the archdiocese of Atlanta? Two words: PERPETUAL ADORATION!
Ellenita Posted April 27, 2004 Posted April 27, 2004 [quote]you know what has helped increase the number of vocations here in the Archdiocese of Atlanta? Perpetual Adoration[/quote] Which is totally in line with what JPII was saying in his homily in the mass of the Lord's Supper just before Easter..... Love of the Eucharist, prayer, lives of holiness.....will see an increase in vocations. It's wonderful because it shows that the whole church is responsible....
Livin_the_MASS Posted April 27, 2004 Posted April 27, 2004 [quote name='Dave' date='Apr 27 2004, 11:24 AM'] You know what has helped increase the number of vocations here in the archdiocese of Atlanta? Two words: PERPETUAL ADORATION! [/quote] AMEN TO THAT!!! Plus in areas where they have Perpetual Adoration, crime rate is down and everything! AMEN!!
Dave Posted April 27, 2004 Posted April 27, 2004 Oh, another thing -- we must NEVER underestimate the importance of a diocese's overall orthodoxy in attracting men to the priesthood. The more orthodox ones have more vocations, while the less orthodox ones have fewer.
homeschoolmom Posted April 27, 2004 Posted April 27, 2004 [quote name='Dave' date='Apr 27 2004, 12:14 PM'] Oh, another thing -- we must NEVER underestimate the importance of a diocese's overall orthodoxy in attracting men to the priesthood. The more orthodox ones have more vocations, while the less orthodox ones have fewer. [/quote] I believe it. If the thought is the priesthood is something special, different and a holy calling men are more willing to make the sacrifices required... in a more liberal thought, if it's just a job and all wishy washy etc. who'd want to sacrifice for that? I'm probably not making myself very clear. <tries again> I think in conservative diocese (and parishes) the priesthood is given more honor and therefore something to truly consider... elsewhere it's not as much and maybe not encouraged by parents... As I said, I would be happy if either of my boys wanted to be priests. (I still think my five year old wants to be Spiderman, though... Priest by day, Superhero by night? :ph34r: )
PedroX Posted April 27, 2004 Posted April 27, 2004 homeschool, your family could always join us: east of the Mississippi and in the city! I'm grateful to hear that you are willing to give your sons to God. Besides, Spidey is celibate! I still want to be James Bond, hence my vintage tuxedo collection. peace...
amarkich Posted April 27, 2004 Posted April 27, 2004 I agree with some previous comments. The best way to increase vocations is to make the Priesthood honorable again in the eyes of young men. Another problem that I have recognized with friends who might otherwise be Priests--the permanent Diaconate. Most of the guys I talk to look at this 'solution' as the best of both worlds--they get to have a wife and kids while still helping at Mass (and without most of the sacrifices, but I think they are still required to say the Breviary, correct me if I am wrong). Also, this can certainly be said for Nuns as well. What woman would want to sacrifice her whole life of children, a family, etc, when she can do more as a layman liturgically than she could ever do as a Nun (e.g., Lector, Extraordinary Minister, etc). If we make these vocations a place of honor, as they once were, and treat them with proper honor and respect, we will certainly see an increase in vocations. Also, putting restrictions or putting an end to the "best of both worlds" options would help (we never had these things before the vocations crisis and there were many more vocations). God bless.
Livin_the_MASS Posted April 27, 2004 Posted April 27, 2004 They shouldn't be seeking honor, in a vocation you become a servant! God Bless Jason
homeschoolmom Posted April 27, 2004 Posted April 27, 2004 I don't think amerkich meant that kind of honor... more of a uniqueness... the idea that one can have one's cake and eat it too (have a family and still serve) is rather appealing these days.
Justified Saint Posted April 28, 2004 Posted April 28, 2004 This does seem to be a problem. Our parish priest is leaving in June and the new one will be someone that is already serving another parish (apparently he has served 5 at a time before so I guess he will be up to the challenge).
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