ANOTHER year has begun at most of Australia’s seminaries, and the general picture shows that there has again been a drop in the number of men wanting to train for the priesthood.
As a growing number of clergy reach retirement, the pressure increases on those who remain to provide for the pastoral needs of the people.
Situations where one priest is required to look after more than one parish are not uncommon. These and other priests are carrying out a job above and beyond the call of duty.
A change of attitude is required. In a world focused on one’s own needs, too many lay Catholics regard a priestly life as a sacrifice that is not worth undertaking.
Prayers are needed more than ever that an increasing number of men will be inspired to discover the marvellous benefits rather than the perceived “drawbacks” of the priesthood.
