A new book exploring Catholic priesthood is set to be launched on Friday, November 28 by Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, the bishop of Waterford and Lismore. The book is also edited by the bishop and explores “the meaning, mission, and joy of the priesthood in the Church today.”
In remarks sent to this paper Bishop Cullinan asks if we as a Church really want priestly vocation then what are we prepared as a Church to do about it.
He writes: “Are we willing to put money and resources into vocations promotion? And of course – PRAYER. Are we willing to beg God for vocations to the priesthood?”
He continues his challenge: “Are we committed or not? Are we in Ireland now confused about the priest’s role and think that the function of the priest can be almost equally performed by the laity? If that is the case then we are very much mistaken. The laity have the task of sanctifying the world – their families, places of work and leisure, the media, entertainment, etc. The role of the priest who shares the authority by which Christ builds up, sanctifies and rules His Body (from Apostolicam Actuositatem – Vat. II) is to sanctify the laity.”
Bishop Cullinan warns that we shouldn’t clericalise the laity- “There is a great temptation to clericalise the laity. The priest must do what he was ordained to do and the laity must be confirmed in their vocation – principally bring their faith into ordinary everyday life -offering on the altar of their lives the bits and pieces of every day, bringing their offerings to the altar with the bread and wine of the Eucharist celebrated by the priest.”
The book launch takes place in The Book Centre, 25 Barronstrand St, Waterford, X91 XF8F.
