Courtney McGrailDear Editor, Recently, the debate concerning married clergy and ordained women resurfaced. It is argued that we should discuss both as a potential means of resolving our priest shortage problem.
Firstly, there continues to be a shortage of pastors in Christian denominations that permit both, suggesting that this route is not the answer.
Secondly, as a young Catholic, I find myself frustrated by the continued preoccupation with such issues when I see far more urgent ones that need to be addressed. I strongly believe our present shortage of vocations to the priesthood and religious life has its source in something far more fundamental: many young Irish people are not in a strong relationship with God, and are not formed strongly enough in their faith to even consider the possibility of a religious vocation.
A relationship with God, or at the very least an openness to one, is vital for a young person to respond to a call to the priesthood or religious life. Religious life can be replete with joy, but also, particularly in the present climate, with many undeniable challenges.
If a young person is not strongly formed in Christ, how can they be expected to take it on with enthusiasm and joy?
In light of this, rather than getting mired in controversial debates, would it not be far more beneficial to expend that energy both in discussing and establishing nationwide youth ministry initiatives that focus on building a strong relationship with Christ? Build and sustain that relationship and vocations to the priesthood will come in due time. While there are wonderful Catholic youth movements up and running in some parishes, so much more work needs to be done.
Yours etc.,
Róisín O’Rourke,
Leitrim Village,
Co. Leitrim.