- "one must bear in mind that the parish itself -- and sometimes the diocese, too -- despite its autonomy, cannot remain isolated, particularly in these times when so many means of transportation and communication are available."
- "Timetables should be based not so much on priests' convenience, but on people's needs, considering work and school hours. For example, there is not much point in offering the sacrament of penance only during work hours, if this means that exclusively elderly people will be able to attend."
- "No parish priest can fully carry out his mission in an isolated or individual manner, but only joining forces with other priests, under the direction of Church authorities."
- "Mutual understanding and assistance, and even relationships, between older priests and younger ones, are desirable and should be especially fostered."
Friday, September 04, 2009
21st Century Challenges for Priests
Zenit News Service has part one of an interview with Fr. Nikolaus Schöch, who works at the Apostolic Segnatura. Interesting insights, such as:
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5 comments:
Priests need to be flexible by basing their schedules on parishioners' needs, such as work and school hours.
Older priests should serve as models for younger priests, and each should assist the other, when possible.
Priests need to be on call 24/7, to offer assistance in any emergency of a parishioner.
Two suggestions--confession some time other than Saturday at five (like maybe Wednesday night) and daily masses in the evening rather than at noon.
It's fine to base the schedule on parishioners' needs, but not on their laziness.
Amen Richard! There's a difference between meeting a need and giving in to Mass and Confession "on demand". Priest do not have to be "on call" 24/7. They are priests...not EMTs.
Instead of going to the Mall on Saturday afternoon, go to confession instead. One hour, once a month, is not too much to ask.
I agree that having an evening Mass during the week is a great alternative to one at noon. The Catholic church near my office offers the Mass every weekday at 5:45PM. It is a great comfort and spiritually uplifting to be able to attend Mass at the end of a hectic work day. You would be amazed how crowded that Mass is and not just during special liturgical seasons such as Lent.
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