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Union For Priests
Topic Started: Thursday, 29. July 2010, 01:10 (348 Views)
denis

Priests in Ireland are being canvassed as to forming a union to be able to express their views in the current situation as they have no platform to speak from. I think this would be a good idea as long as the laity keep their noses out and let them get on with it
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Rose of York
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If such an organisation is run well, by priests loyal to their ministry, for the good of the Church, the priests and the people to whom they minister good could come of it. Much depends upon the aims of this proposed organisation.

RTE News
Herald ie


Catholic Culture website
Catholic Culture

A blog post by a newly ordained priest rings alarm bells.
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Keep the Faith!

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Derekap
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I thought there is, or was, an organistion for priests in England (and probably Wales).
Derekap
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Rose of York
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http://www.irishcatholic.ie/site/content/new-priests-reform-movement-launched

Quote:
 
The group are now due to hold a meeting in Portlaoise on September 15 to canvass support for its reform programme.

Aims of the Association of Catholic Priests

Providing a voice for Irish Catholic priests at a time when that voice is largely silent and needs to be expressed;

Giving an opportunity for Irish priests to engage proactively with the crucial debates taking place in Irish society;

Full implementation of the vision and teaching of the Second Vatican Council, with special emphasis on:

The primacy of the individual conscience.

The status and active participation of all the baptised.

The task of establishing a Church where all believers will be treated as equal.

A redesigning of ministry in the Church, in order to develop the gifts, wisdom and expertise of the entire faith community, male and female.

A re-structuring of the governing system of the Church, basing it on service rather than on power, and encouraging at every level a culture of consultation and transparency, particularly in the appointment of Church leaders.

An equal place for women in all areas of Church life, including the governing systems and the various forms of ministry.

A re-evaluation of Catholic sexual teaching and practice that recognises the profound mystery of human sexuality and the experience and wisdom of God's people.

Promotion of peace, justice and the protection of God's creation locally, nationally and globally.

Recognition that Church and State are separate and that while the Church must preach the message of the Gospel and try to live it authentically, the State has the task of enacting laws for all its citizens.

Liturgical celebrations that use rituals and language that are easily understood, inclusive and accessible to all.

Strengthening relationships with our fellow Christians and other faiths.

Full acceptance that the Spirit speaks through all people, including those of faiths other than Christian and those of no religious faith, so that the breath of the Spirit will flow more freely.


http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=7032

Quote:
 
“It is a good thing if priests wish to organize themselves in order to voice their opinions and this would be important at this challenging time for clergy and lay Catholics alike,” said a spokesman for the Irish bishops’ conference.
Keep the Faith!

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Derekap
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To me, some of the aims seem a bit rebellious!
Derekap
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Rose of York
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Derek. try reading this one, by a newly ordained priest. He shares your concerns.

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Rose of York
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This is not a union for the welfare of priests, it looks to me more like an attempt at spiritual mutiny.

From the blog I mentioned above.

Quote:
 
Disillusionment with the hierarchy may be understandable, but I'd be wary of an organisation which seems to be based on a Bishop versus Priest dynamic. That's hardly consistent with the Second Vatican Council's vison of the filial attitude a priest should have for his Bishop.
It's also interesting that the proposed organisation foreswears a claim to represent clergy in general. This is starting to look like a lobby-group rather than a generally representative organisation for priests.
And what will be the outlook of this body?

Their draft proposals include “the importance of looking seriously at the ministry, government and sexual teaching of the church” and “a concern for social justice and God’s creation.”
Those interested may contact Fr Brendan Hoban at 086-6065055, Fr Tony Flannery at 087-6814699, and/or Fr Seán McDonagh at 087-2367612.

Those who know the Church in Ireland will recognise those names. Why do I suspect that looking seriously at the ministry, government and sexual teaching of the church should be understood as challenging the ministry, government and sexual teaching of the church. Am I alone in thinking that true renewal is only possible if we were more concerned with the promises we made prior to and during ordination, and actually took seriously the ministry, government and sexual teaching of the Church.
Keep the Faith!

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PJD

"To me, some of the aims seem a bit rebellious!"

"....more like an attempt at spiritual mutiny."

Same here Derek. Ditto Rose.

"This is starting to look like a lobby-group rather than a generally representative organisation for priests."

Inclined to agree with the blogger. Will probably come to nothing.

PJD
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Peter

Behind all the political correct rhetoric in the quote Rose has posted my observations are that this "Union" is in favour of pushing for the following:

Dumbing down the practice of our worship perhaps putting the wording in tabloid form - how patronising.

Re-writing everything that has previously been taught about sexual morality.

Democracy in the Church - I somehow don't think this is an option!

The Conscience Clause - don't worry, no need to go to confession anymore as what you think (whatever it is) is right.

Moves towards Women Priests.

Full implementation of Gay Rights if people are believers so weddings for gay couples, which is what this means in reality!

Basically, that anything goes in this "sophisticated" world of ours because we (the Union) know best.


I'm not saying that any of the above is right or wrong but reading between the lines it does seem to mean that there is a political agenda here, still enough controversy from me.



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Gerard

I was rather impressed by the list of aims.

I think some have been too quick to read too much into them.

But when I clicked through to the newspaper report this paragraph caused my heart to miss a beat.

Quote:
 
But no proposal emerged to fill the vacuum until late last month when nine priests met in Athlone to explore the options.


Why? Because there has been a prophecy circulating in CCR circles for a few years that "A fire will come out of Athlone". Meaning, of course, that a move of the Holy Spirit i.e. Renewal/Revival will start in Athlone and spread out from there. If there is widespread support for this (as the article says) then it could be very interesting indeed.

Take another look at the list of "aims".

Gerry
"The institutional and charismatic aspects are quasi coessential to the Church's constitution" (Pope John Paul II, 1998).
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Clare
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Putting the "Fun Dame" into Fundamentalist
Peter
Thursday, 5. August 2010, 09:01
Behind all the political correct rhetoric in the quote Rose has posted my observations are that this "Union" is in favour of pushing for the following:

Dumbing down the practice of our worship perhaps putting the wording in tabloid form - how patronising.

Re-writing everything that has previously been taught about sexual morality.

Democracy in the Church - I somehow don't think this is an option!

The Conscience Clause - don't worry, no need to go to confession anymore as what you think (whatever it is) is right.

Moves towards Women Priests.

Full implementation of Gay Rights if people are believers so weddings for gay couples, which is what this means in reality!

Basically, that anything goes in this "sophisticated" world of ours because we (the Union) know best.


I'm not saying that any of the above is right or wrong but reading between the lines it does seem to mean that there is a political agenda here, still enough controversy from me.
Looks like it to me.
S.A.G.

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Derekap
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Could not the 'Fire of Athlone' be detrimental rather than constructive?

I hope we don't see Fr Paddy O'Brien parading up and down outside outside church on Sunday morning with a board saying he and some fellow priests are on strike and asking passing car drivers to honk in support - and calling other priests and EMsHC scabs!
Derekap
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Clare
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Putting the "Fun Dame" into Fundamentalist
Gerard
Thursday, 5. August 2010, 11:10
Because there has been a prophecy circulating in CCR circles for a few years that "A fire will come out of Athlone". Meaning, of course, that a move of the Holy Spirit i.e. Renewal/Revival will start in Athlone and spread out from there.
Of course?

Or it might mean something else.

Or it might be "twaddle".
S.A.G.

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Gerard

:cup:
"The institutional and charismatic aspects are quasi coessential to the Church's constitution" (Pope John Paul II, 1998).
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OsullivanB

It is fascinating to see how people project their own hopes and fears onto a fairly generalised list of things to think about. I shall wait and see what, if anything at all, comes of this. Then, perhaps, I'll comment.
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
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