[InterestedQuestioner]

Nice post, NYer.

We are often told that the vocations shortage is due to the requirements of celibacy and chastity, yet this author's message seems much more reasonable. Religious Life does indeed require tremendous sacrifice. Women and men take vows of poverty, chastity, celibacy and obedience in order to live and preach the Gospel, and to equip the laity for their mission to the world.

That's not all they sacrifice, however. They also give up, in many cases, careers in business, law, medicine, science, and other important fields where they could make strong contributions. These things are good, in and of themselves, however, one will give them up to follow Jesus Christ. It's not realistic, on the other hand, to want to give up the married life, material comfort, and a productive secular career that benefits society for a questionable social agenda. One will sacrifice totally only for an absolute good, or an absolute Truth. One will not sacrifice totally for half measures, and half-truths.

It's interesting that the buzz among those discerning vocations often touches upon the concern of where to find an orthodox organization from which to serve, and an orthodox seminary in which to train.

[NYer]

It's interesting that the buzz among those discerning vocations often touches upon the concern of where to find an orthodox organization from which to serve, and an orthodox seminary in which to train.

I happen to reside in one of those dioceses run by a liberal bishop. Sadly, he has held this position for more than 25 years and still has another 8 years to go before mandatory retirement. That represents several generations of catholics who have been indoctrinated into the 'novelties' this bishop approves - liturgical dance, support for homosexual priests, inclusive language, etc.

He often bemoans the lack of young men drawn to the priesthood but never draws the connection to a lack of orthodoxy. Please pray for Bishop Hubbard. He is as much a victim in that he was chosen by one of the most liberal Archbishops in the history of the Catholic Church. Only prayer will convert his heart!

[RobbyS]

Why become a priest--or a nun--if that means no more than to become a social worker?

[charliemarlow]

1. Bishops want more priests
2. It is demonstrable that seminaries develop more priests
in orthodox dioceses.
3. Therefore, bishops support unorthodoxy in their dioceses.
OR
1. Bishops do not want more priests.
2. It is demonstrable that seminaries develop more priests
in orthodox dioceses.
3. Therefore, bishops support unorthodoxy in their dioceses.
Which one is more logical?