Vocations.

IrishAmity

In light of recent media reports, the publishing of the Ryan Report and so forth, do you think that a Vocation to the Priesthood is still regarded a 'proud' move by the families and connections of those of whom are called to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders??

It would be interesting to read the many views of the Board users/readers on this matter as the Irish Catholic Church and perhaps we could argue the Catholic Church world-wide are appearing to struggle for Vocations and Priests to fill their various Parishes.

Fanny Cradock

World wide is often another way of saying the West. While I think the the RCC is in serious trouble in most Western Countries, the same can't be said for all countries.

lmaopml

To be honest, I think it's one of the saddest times in the Church's history...and I think sometimes the Irish have a lot of answering to do for it...we've had a love/hate relationship so far with the Catholic Church..I hope it resolves itself sooner rather than later and people are fair in their judgement...because there are a hellofalot of very very good Catholics, and Catholic Clergy too...

...also, I often blush just hearing the surname of a priest who interferred with a child in America, Canada and beyond..! We exported soooo many....Irish were seen as 'top notch'...and were even 'head hunted'... and in case I would be accused of saying I think ALL peadophiles are Irish, that's not what I mean...You only have to do the 'google' to see the 'truth' about even state run reformatory schools worldwide.

Yes, there was a 'proud' factor years ago to having a family member becoming a priest...some were even pushed into having a 'vocation'! This was wrong...very wrong imo. Also, we don't even know the extent of peadophilia in relation to just normal families world over - it's not advertised as a 'group' so much as it is in the Catholic Church....Every journo is on it at the moment...However, we have what we have and I for one don't want to throw the baby out with the bath water...and I'm young..lol....and I think there are a lot like me on the way....

--amadeus--

I would be utterly crushed if either of my two went in as a priest / nun.

Anything positive you can do in either of those roles (charity work, education, health work or whatever) can be accomplished just as well (IMO more effectively in fact) from a lay position. And going into the church is so limiting - I want the best for my children and closing off the avenue of having a family just seems so utterly pointless. And that's before you take my own views on religion into consideration.

Chances are vanishingly small though, so not to much to worry about!

In a wider context I cannot think of a close friend or family member who would be "proud" of a child of thiers going into the church.

Kevster

Hi guys, I was just about to start my own thread wondering what peoples' views on this was. I have to admit that I was pretty disappointed and indeed ashamed of the priesthood back home, and I had no intention of becoming a catholic priest (I had thought about it in the past). However, I have judst moved to York in the UK and seeing the protestant set-up here inspires me again. For one, protestant priests can of course marry, and there are female priests too (priestesses?). The York Minster itself is arguably the most inspiring building i have ever seen.

I see it from my apartment skylight window every time I look out of it.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/northyorkshire/content/images/2007/11/06/minster_long_view_gallery_450x321.jpg
I]That isn't a photo from my window![/I


Kevin