Sir, – You write that "It is celibacy or a future" (Editorial, August 25th). I'm not so sure. On the subject of the shortage of priests in Ireland and how to tackle the problem, I have noted many suggestions: the abolition of clerical celibacy, inviting priests from other countries to minister in Ireland and inviting back those who have left the ministry to marry.
What evidence is there to support the belief that abolishing mandatory celibacy will lead to an influx of new aspirants? What evidence I have from dealing with young people indicates that the drop in vocations is due more to a shallow faith, a change in cultural priorities and a change in economic circumstance than to mandatory celibacy.
Where is the evidence that there is a large number of foreign priests (and compliant bishops) willing to reverse the historic missionary trajectory and come to minister among us? Is there a significant number of men who left the priesthood to marry in a position to, and willing to, return to the ministry?
Incidentally, is the idea that removing the barrier of mandatory celibacy will lead to an increase in vocations not an insult, subliminal at least, to the dedication of today’s young people who, all things being equal, might be willing to take that extra step taken by so many generations of men over the past millennium or so? – Yours, etc,
NOEL CASEY,
Carrick on Suir,
Co Tipperary.
Sir, – Your editorial regarding the shortage of Catholic priests in the western world was relevant and a timely challenge to those in leadership positions within the Catholic Church. In the last census, 84 per cent claimed to be Catholic. While many may not practise their faith regularly, the majority still want to avail of a Catholic funeral, wedding and baptism for their children.
I have no doubt there are many other married practising Catholics that might make wonderful priests, but the availability of suitable single men may be more limited. The days of deciding to undertake celibacy at a young age are surely over.
Sadly the results of poor selection procedures of some immature men who were not suited to priesthood have resulted in scandals and damage to the integrity of the church that it is only beginning to address.
Priesthood is still a vocation, and not a nine-to-five job; being married would potentially be a challenge for any priest, balancing the demands of family life with a six-day ministry, which currently for diocesan priests takes up many evenings too, and is a potential recipe for marital disharmony. The solution is complex, but perhaps flexibility is required in the rules for the Catholic priesthood. Married men are becoming permanent deacons in the Catholic Church and supporting priests in administering sacraments, and many lay men and women are actively involved in ministry too. So all is not so bad, just yet. – Yours, etc,
FRANK BROWNE,
Dublin 16.