PRIESTS TODAY

Perhaps there is some encouraging news regarding new priests in our country. While numbers are not that much higher, the quality of the men is certainly something to be proud of. Not only is training in seminaries concentrating more on the Eucharist as opposed to “social apostolates”, but the men themselves say that they regularly partook in Eucharistic Adoration (75%) before entering seminary, according to a survey conducted by GeorgetownUniversity’s Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA).

How much does education and family structure influence the decision tp become a priest?  Bishop Earl A. Boyea of Lansing, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations (CCLV) said:

 “Surveys of men recently ordained to the priesthood show that families and encouragement from the parish priests alongside Catholic schools provide optimal environments for a vocational call to grow. On this day, let us thank God for continuing to call men and women to serve him and his Church as priests, religious, and consecrated persons. We pray that all families, teachers, and priests will continue their essential work of instilling the faith and love of Jesus in our children.”

A large portion of the incoming ordinands attended Catholic institutions for their education, with the highest rates (43%) attending Catholic primary school. A further 34% attended Catholic high school and 35% went to a Catholic college.

The vast majority (84%) cited having two Catholic parents. Nearly two thirds reported their vocation being supported by family members, parish priests, and the community. 

I know I have said in the past, we are seeing young men come, either before ordination or after, who have a great devotion to the Eucharist.  There is much hope for the future of the Church.

"Nourish the faithful on Christ's Body and Blood and nourish yourself daily by meditating on the mystery of the Real Presence of Christ, which you are privileged to make physically present in the Eucharist." Bishop Peter J. Jugis, Charlotte, N.C. Aug 2016, to newly ordained priests.