A senior Wellington priest has made some “personal observations” about the shortage of vocations to the priesthood in this country.
Writing in the January 27 edition of The Cathedral Connection newsletter of Sacred Heart Cathedral parish, Fr James Lyons stated that priests are in short supply and “New Zealand-born candidates for priesthood are all but non-existent”.
Fr Lyons wrote that he receives many suggestions as to why “our Catholic men are not making a life-choice for priesthood”. He noted the he did not want to list or debate them in the newsletter, but would make some personal observations.
“Over my years with Sacred Heart Cathedral parish, I have not been aware of any parent placing the priesthood before their son as a viable option,” he wrote.
“I have shared many family prayer times, but have never heard a prayer for the family to be blessed with a religious vocation. It is easy to get the impression that being a priest is the last thing anyone wants for one of their own.”
Fr Lyons added “I am far from perfect and my imperfections may contribute to those negative reactions”.
“But I wish I could let you all see how wonderful priesthood really is.
“Your support, your affection, the welcome place you make for me in your homes and in your lives, brings joy to my spirit and fulfills my own life. . . . It is not a wasted life, but a treasure waiting to be found.
“Who will follow on . . . .”
According to the clergy moves for Wellington archdiocese, effective from February 1, Fr Lyons is now retired from active ministry.
The priesthood has two great responsibilities.
1. The consecration of bread and wine
2. The absolving of sinfulness.
These two functions of a priest must be understood for their place in salvation.
Then the vocation to the priesthood can become a reality.
Clericalism? Sounds like it to me.