Diocesan Clerical Manning

I've mentioned before that prayer for vocations is one of the major ministries of the Catenian Association and is something every Circle does at every meeting. This should of course extend into our own private prayers and actions.

The importance of this is emphasized by the following summary from a recent address by Bishop Kieran concerning Diocesan clerical manning:

• The Bishop explained that since 1963 the number of priests has declined while the number of parishes has increased. The Catholic Church nationally, including the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, is facing a demographic time bomb with more priests retiring and dying than are being ordained.
• There are about 80 priests in the diocese. The diocese is just coping at the moment but the unexpected illness of 2 priests and the death of another has caused major challenges for the diocesan clerical manning pot. Put simply, the bishop said, the status quo cannot continue; something has to change.
• The ratio of priests to laity in the Diocese is 48,000 to 80 priests.
• The Bishop mentioned that he is often asked to look at sources of overseas priests, from Africa or Poland. He counselled against this approach citing the difficulties experienced by the Diocese of Southwark, who have tried this option. He also stated that we should not be exploiting Africa where, contrary to popular belief, there is a much greater shortage of priests than in UK.

With acknowledgements to Our Lady of Sorrows RC Church, Effingham.