Religion has been ‘relegated to the margins of society’

Dear Editor, There isn’t much joy manifested in Greg Daly’s experience at the AGM of the Association of Catholic Priests as outlined in his article ‘Priests at risk: problems and practicalities’ (IC 24/11/16). Considering that many of these problems are caused by a lack of vocations to the priesthood it is surprising that no mention is made of that fact at the AGM. 

What might such a reference show?

Religion relegated to the margins of our society. Much pre-occupation with economic issues. Vocations occupying a low priority with parents and young people. A diminishing appreciation of the importance of the ordained priesthood. A complacency among the faithful due to a previous surplus of priests.

What can we do? No easy answers. Prayer. We need to continue to pray to the Lord of the Harvest that he will send labourers into His harvest. As we know few are prepared to enter the priesthood and few parents are ready to encourage a priestly vocation, yet most people want priestly ministry, especially at key moments in their lives. Face the formidable challenge of educating the young, concerning the vital necessity of ministerial priesthood in the Church. If young people could appreciate the nature of priestly life then more of them would view it as challenging and fulfilling.

Yours etc.,

Patrick O’Neill, Killorglin