Priests share parishioners hopes, concerns

By GLENN RUTHERFORD, Record Assistant Editor

ST. MEINRAD, Ind. — Priests of the Archdiocese of Louisville share many of the same joys and frustrations — and hopes for the future — felt by their parishioners.

They worry about their lack of numbers and about the increasing administrative responsibilities they have. They fret about the fallout from the sexual abuse scandal; they get upset about the church’s position on a variety of social issues — including the possibility of ordaining women to the priesthood.

In short, they’re human — like any diverse group of 275 or so in any segment of American society.

Yet they are different, too, because of their lifelong call to the priesthood, service to the faith and to God. In the words of their Archbishop, Thomas C. Kelly, they are “dedicated, holy men” who are committed to do the work of the church.

The priests were asked to respond to four questions:

• What are our greatest joys?
• What are your greatest frustrations”
• If you had it to over again, would you become a priest?
• If you could change three practical things in church life now that would effectively enhance your ministry, what would they be?

Here are some of their comments, chosen randomly from the 56 responses to the questionnaire submitted for the assembly by priests who have been ordained at least 15 years. The conference was held June 5 to 8 and was attended by nearly 120 priests.

* Among their greatest joys were:

“Accompanying young people through crucially formative years.”

“Celebrating the sacraments” and “celebrating the Eucharist” were listed on the vast majority of responses.

“Teaching the faithful the truths of the faith and watching such awe-filled understanding grow.”

“Helping people in times of suffering and death.”

“Empowering and encouraging young people and older people to use their talents in church ministry and seeing them succeed.”

“Discovering the amazing ways in which God continues to bless me and use me in priestly ministry — definitely far beyond any of my wildest dreams.”

* Their frustrations are strongly felt, too. Those comments included:

“Living within a church whose policies I disagree with.”

“Trying to function successfully through the sex abuse scandal.”

“The church’s stance on homosexuality and priesthood.”

“The difficulty in getting priests to understand and accept the new emphasis and direction of the Second Vatican Council.”

“Racism in the church.”

“Dealing with fundamentalist Catholics, both lay and clergy.”

“The shortage of priests, which leaves many tasks unfulfilled.”

“Concerns about administration, especially paying the bills.”

“Feeling the disunity and oft-times hatefulness among members of the church, including the clergy.”

“Not being a strong-enough voice for the poor or against the racism and sexism in society and in the church.”

* When it came to suggesting changes within the church, several priests suggested, in the words of one of them, “opening priestly ministry to more than single males.” Other suggestions included:

“Opening the eucharistic table to all.”

Allow priests “two guilt-free off days a week.”

“Put administration (of parishes) into the hands of the laity.”

“Petition the Vatican to allow ordained deacons to administer the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.”

“Turn over grade schools to independent boards free of any particular parish.”

“Allow priests to marry.”

“Require that every East End or ‘well-off’ parish enter into some relationship or partnership with a West End parish or mission.”

Only one of the respondents said he wouldn’t become a priest if he had to do it all over again.
Some of their comments included:

“I realize it was the Lord’s call that I answered.”

“It’s been decades of thrills and chills, all of which have made me who I am today.”

“I cannot imagine life not being a priest.”

“I have always had the joy of knowing I’m doing God’s will.”

“As it was then and is now, this is where I believe I am called to be.”

“I would; if the Lord called me once, I would hope that he would call me again.”

“I would — I’m not sure why, but I would.”