A leading Catholic group in Ireland says the problem of the country’s dwindling number of priests could be solved by ordaining married men and appointing female deacons.
The Association of Catholics in Ireland [ACI] has lent its support to the Bishop Leo O'Reilly's request for Irish bishops to examine such a possibility,
The Irish Independent newspaper reports.
ACI says a high percentage of clergymen over the age of 65, combined with the low number of seminarians joining the church, means many parishes will eventually be without be a resident priest.
"Already the clustering of parishes has resulted in some parishes being without a daily Mass and on selected week days only having prayer services without distribution of Holy Communion," the association said in a statement obtained by the Independent.
"Married clergy would bring the warmth and richness of their lived experience to their pastoral ministry and be well placed to offer support to married couples and families in difficulties."
The group added that the crisis is "upsetting to parishioners, particularly daily Mass-goers."
ACI is submitting its statement to the Vatican for an upcoming "Synod on the Family."
Over the years, many ordained priests have left the ministry in order to wed. If invited back, the priests would not only help ease the church’s clergy shortage, but also bring an extra dimension to couples counseling.
The Irish Examiner reports that the shortage has created a
"clustering of parishes" resulting in some being without a daily Mass, and on some weekdays only having prayer services without Holy Communion.
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