Posted on 08/24/2011 2:09:42 PM PDT by NYer
Are vocations to chaplaincy on the rebound? Last week, the Archdiocese for Military Services issued a release that indicates that could be the case:
Father Kerry Abbott, OFM Conv., Director of Vocations, said, “This is one of the ‘untold stories’ of the blessings of the Holy Spirit upon the Church and those Faithful fervently seeking to respond to the Voice of God. Catholic seminaries in the United States, and the Pontifical North American College in Rome, are straining to accommodate the influx of seminarians entering formation programs leading to presbyteral ordination and military chaplaincy. Many seminaries have found it necessary to convert guest rooms to seminarian quarters.”
The outlook for future vocations is just as bright. The archdiocese [of Military Services] is currently processing hundreds of inquiries from prospective military chaplains. Father Abbott expects anywhere from five to 10 more to enter seminaries next year, with still more to come in years to follow.
The timing could not be better. The U.S. armed forces have seen a steady decline in Catholic military chaplains over the past 10 years as priests reach the military retirement age of 62. Their numbers are down from more than 400 active in 2001 to 274 this year.
Father Abbott says the increase in vocations is due mainly to the support of Catholic bishops, “for which this archdiocese is most grateful,” and successful recruiting over the past three years. The recruiting, which began under his predecessor, Father John McLaughlin, is taking place largely among a pool of candidates that has contributed substantial numbers to the priesthood in recent years—the U.S. military. According to a study by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University, nearly 10% of men ordained as U.S. Catholic priests over the past two years had previously served in the military. Another 10% came from military families.
“When you think about it, this makes complete sense,” Father Abbott said. “Both the military and the priesthood rely on a largely common set of foundational values, including a commitment to service, self-discipline and a higher calling. So it should come as no surprise that so many of our seminarians come from a military background and a growing number are looking to go back to the life they know after ordination.”
Ping!
The Navy is revoking guidance to its chaplains about conducting same-sex marriages at military chapels following an uproar by Republican lawmakers and social conservatives contending the move would violate a law prohibiting federal recognition of gay marriage.
Despite the decision, military officials said that the Defense Department may still eventually permit gay troops to use military chapels in states that recognize homosexual marriages for same-sex weddings after President Obama lifts the ban on openly gay service members known as “don’t ask, don’t tell.’’
In an April 13 memo, Navy Chief of Chaplains Rear Admiral Mark L. Tidd said that same-sex marriages would be permitted at military chapels in states that recognize gay marriages once the gay ban ended.
Tidd said Navy chaplains would not be required to officiate at same-sex marriage ceremonies if it was inconsistent with religious beliefs.
Tidd said he issued the revised guidance after chaplains asked about same-sex marriage ceremonies during mandatory training sessions about the end of “don’t ask, don’t tell.’’
But he reversed course late Tuesday, saying he was suspending his guidance “pending additional legal and policy review’’ and closer coordination with the Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
Navy drops same-sex marriage guidelines.
http://articles.boston.com/2011-05-12/news/29536836_1_homosexual-marriages-marriage-ceremonies-gay-troops
May God bless them all abundantly.
Why are you judging that their motives are evil or self-fulfilling?
I don’t think this is the case.
Our Serra Club district conference is going to have the Archbishop of the Military Dioese speak to us — it will be in Tacoma. I’m looking forward to hearing him.
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Army Chaplain Dies in Afghanastan
With God in Iraq: A Day in the Life of a Military Chaplain
Soldier's Death Led Catholic Priest to Become Chaplain
Mass at National Shrine to honor Servant of God and heroic Navy chaplain
Prison chaplain remembers ("Behind the Walls with the Man Behind the Stole")
"Thanks God... and Thanks Mom" (Senate chaplain recalls his mom's amazing last day on earth)
Priest a wartime legend (Most decorated chaplain in Canadian army history dies at 106)
Catholic Navy chaplain shares story of Iraqi conversion (from 12/04/07)
Putting the pieces of the puzzle togehter. Its called analysis. I spent my time in the military and can actually think of the military in a non-abstract way.You tell me why there should be an influx of existing priests(between the lines) who want to go into the military services directly after they get rid of ‘Dont Ask, Dont Tell’. Especially, when the services are a turn off for most anyone else after this. Read between the lines! The article does not state any motivation whatsoever on the part of those finding the military services all of sudden ...very attractive. I’ve been receiving material for the last few years from the Archdiocese of the Military Services bemoaning the lack of vocations. The war hasn’t ended!
All I know is that the seminaries have been cleaned out, thanks to Pope Benedict. Prospective seminarians must undergo a two day pschye exam, have lots of character references, undergo days and days of interviews from the intake officers at seminaries, so, in my judgment, I would say that they might be going for the money, but I don’t really think they are going for the reason you state.
You absolutely didnt read or understand what I wrote. The main thrust: It looks apparent that some Bishops are releasing some priests(not seminarians) to the Arch. Mil Servcs. Its implied between the lines.
I did read what you posted and I disagree because of the training that seminarians (future priests) are now going through.
Guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree.
**You absolutely didnt read or understand what I wrote.**
So now you are a mind-reader and know what I have read or understood?
That’s against the rules of the Religion Moderator.
Discuss the issues all you want, but do not make it personal.
From now on please dont engage me. I never once talked about seminarians and was clear about priests. Thanks.
I’m calling foul on the R.M on this one.
But now I’ll go peacefully.
I’m sorry I’ve caused you to engage in a game of one upmanship.This is clearly all my fault. I can neither do good or avoid evil without Gods help. I am asking him to keep me from the internet more.
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