CHURCH COLLARS 36 PRIEST TRAINEES; New recruits double.Byline: CLAIRE BRENNAN Bren·nan , William Joseph, Jr. 1906-1997. American jurist who served as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (1956-1990). RECRUITMENT to the priesthood priesthood Office of a spiritual leader expert in the ceremonies of worship and the performance of religious rituals. Though chieftains, kings, and heads of households have sometimes performed priestly functions, in most civilizations the priesthood is a specialized office. has almost doubled in two years despite a furious backlash against the Church since the Ryan report abuse revelations. Figures yesterday revealed 36 men will begin their religious studies in colleges across Ireland in the coming weeks. In 2007, just 20 men decided to join the Catholic Church, with it rising to 24 last year. It was feared the backlash from the Ryan report would lead to a major reduction in vocations this year, particularly as last week figures revealed more than 2,000 people have began proceedings to officially leave the Church. Martin Long of the Catholic Communications Office yesterday said of the rise in recruits: "It is great news when anyone decides to join the Church and it is to be welcomed. "It is important to remember these men come from normal families and normal backgrounds and are answering a call from God." St Patrick's College, Maynooth Degrees at the college are awarded by the associated Pontifical University of Maynooth which is Ireland's only private university and was established by a Pontifical Charter of 1896. , will take 26 of the recruits. Another seven will go to Belfast, two will study in Rome and one will be based in Spain. |
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