Feedback.If I were training the next generation of priests, I would focus on ... Critical thinking skills, pastoral skills, preaching, collaborating with others, an egalitarian attitude, and Vatican II Noun 1. Vatican II - the Vatican Council in 1962-1965 that abandoned the universal Latin liturgy and acknowledged ecumenism and made other reforms Second Vatican Council Vatican Council - each of two councils of the Roman Catholic Church theology. Marian Monahan Suwanee, Ga. The basics: the teachings of Christ and the meaning of the Creed. Most importantly Adv. 1. most importantly - above and beyond all other consideration; "above all, you must be independent" above all, most especially , integrity. Martin M. Britten Shapleigh, Maine Shapleigh (pronounced Shap-Lee) is a town in York County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,326 at the 2000 census. Shapleigh includes the villages of Ross Corner and Emery Mills. How to run more than one parish at a time. Carol Moran Mena, Ark. The ability to serve the needs of all age levels in a parish. Polli Kucharik Grants Pass, Ore. Learning good communication skills, which includes the ability to listen. Dixie D. Jackson Las Vegas Las Vegas (läs vā`gəs), city (1990 pop. 258,295), seat of Clark co., S Nev.; inc. 1911. It is the largest city in Nevada and the center of one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the United States. , Nev. Spiritual development. I want priests who have a deep prayer life. Also, psychological development and social skills. Joyce Shields American Canyon, Calif. The importance of listening to and learning from the parishioners' lived experience, especially as it relates to marriage and family issues. Name withheld San Mateo San Mateo (săn mətā`ō), city (1990 pop. 85,486), San Mateo co., W Calif., on San Francisco Bay; inc. 1894. It is a commercial and retail center with some high-technology manufacturing. San Mateo, Spanish for St. , Calif. The parish events/activities that require the presence of a priest are ... The main fundraisers, to show his interest and commitment to the parish and people. Also, a regular presence at the school, to be a real person to children and to guide them in their faith. Judy Dorner Glendale, Wis. Gatherings at which the future of the parish is being discussed. The priest needn't necessarily make the decisions, but it's vital that he hear firsthand what parishioners are saying. Bill Cahill Wheaton, Ill. Activities that help the priest and parishioners get to know one another. Rosemary Kroll Sanford, Mich. Certainly all those sacramental moments require the presence of a priest, but his presence at funeral homes, hospitals, nursing homes, etc., is also important in the lives of his parishioners. Tom Whitman Erie, Pa. The parish events/activities that do not require the presence of a priest are ... Those that the priest feels the laity can handle with his input. John Zak Pittsburgh, Pa. Expecting a priest at every meeting for every group is not fair. He should participate where he is comfortable. Ron and Mary Kaiser Joplin, Mo. Bingo. Al Van Milligen Lansing, Ill. Everything outside the administration of the sacraments and presiding over the Holy Eucharist. Raise up the laity to do their job as the Body of Christ
The Body of Christ is a term used by Christians to describe believers in Christ. Jesus Christ is seen as the "head" of the body, which is the church. . Trust the people. Jim Bryan Pearland, Texas Pearland is a city located along the Gulf Coast region in the U.S. state of Texas within the Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown metropolitan area and is partially in Brazoria County, partially in Fort Bend County, and partially in Harris County. As of the 2000 U.S. With regard to priests who are recently ordained or·dain tr.v. or·dained, or·dain·ing, or·dains 1. a. To invest with ministerial or priestly authority; confer holy orders on. b. To authorize as a rabbi. 2. , my experience has been ... They seem to be very conservative and follow the "letter of the law" and pre-Vatican II ideas and ideals. Mitzi Cicero Livonia, N.Y. Outstanding. I have been able to relate my opinions without receiving negative or judgmental judg·men·tal adj. 1. Of, relating to, or dependent on judgment: a judgmental error. 2. Inclined to make judgments, especially moral or personal ones: responses. Name withheld Carman Car´man n. 1. A man whose employment is to drive, or to convey goods in, a car or car. , HI. Disturbing. Recently while discussing diocesan restructuring, a newly ordained priest said, "We are the shepherds; they are the sheep. What's the problem?" Name withheld Buffalo, N.Y. Mixed. One still has major problems with the English language English language, member of the West Germanic group of the Germanic subfamily of the Indo-European family of languages (see Germanic languages). Spoken by about 470 million people throughout the world, English is the official language of about 45 nations. . Name withheld South Yarmouth, Mass. They are very committed and full of energy. They need good mentoring and a breadth of experience in the realities of parish/pastoral ministry. Deacon John Deacon John may refer to:
Catonsville, Md. Very dedicated but narrowly trained to follow conservative Catholicism. Don't really see the "big" picture. Mike Lewis Pensacola, Fla. They are older and have more experience in the world. That's good for understanding problems that face everyday folks. Name withheld Lakeville, Minn. The one desirable trait that seems most often lacking in priests is: Humility. Intelligence, learning, administrative skills, even great preaching fail to make an effective priest if there isn't a recognition of brokenness we all share. Cindy Brauer Manhattan Beach Manhattan Beach, city (1990 pop. 32,063), Los Angeles co., S Calif., on Santa Monica Bay; inc. 1912. It is a residential and beach community with an oil refinery and nearby factories that produce transportation and electrical equipment, computers, and pottery. , Calif. An understanding of justice and peace issues. The social teaching of the church tends to receive too little attention. Eugene Kutsch Dubuque, Iowa Dubuque is a city in the U.S. State of Iowa, located along the Mississippi River. Its population was estimated at 57,696 in 2006,[3] making it the eighth-largest city in the state. From those priests who attended liberal seminaries, a focus on orthodox theology. Tim Berg Glendale Heights, Ill. True understanding of how families are pulled all different ways and of their financial difficulties. Margaret Merz Central Islip, N.Y. Presence. Many seem too busy to be pastoral to the individual before them. Name withheld Denver, Colo. Willingness to challenge the secular views that many of us bring into the church and that obscure our true calling as Christians. Lenora Goodliffe Escondido, Calif. The ability to speak truth to their bishop and fellow priests. Virginia Arnold Washington, Ind. None. The fact that he has given up his life to the service of God is more than enough! J. Nemey Arellano Albuquerque, N.M. The best thing about the priest who has been most influential in my life is: His compassion, mercy, and ability to listen; his affirmation of everyone who attended Mass or sought counsel. He genuinely cared about God's children and encouraged others to get involved in parish decisions and programs. Justine Gonzalez Troy, Mich. In 1968 1 met a Catholic chaplain while serving in the Air Force. He exemplified a human side that I never had quite witnessed in a priest previously. He provided sage spiritual and common-sense advice that still resonates with me today. I loved that man and wish I could revisit our conversations some 38 years later. Frank Bonsiero Clifton, Va. He understood the complexities of the lives of his flock and taught how to inform one's conscience and the need to follow that decision. Jerome Klosowski Bay City, Mich. He had a genuine love for the people and a sense of humor Noun 1. sense of humor - the trait of appreciating (and being able to express) the humorous; "she didn't appreciate my humor"; "you can't survive in the army without a sense of humor" sense of humour, humor, humour he shared often. He was a man of integrity, who knew the people he served and the God he sought to share. Mary Flick St. Louis, Mo. He challenged me to consider what I could do for my parish. Name withheld Boynton Beach Boynton Beach, city (1990 pop. 46,194), Palm Beach co., SE Fla., on the Atlantic coast; inc. 1920. A major suburban area, it is also a beach resort and vegetable-shipping point. , Fla. His relationship with my children. He always makes time for them. I want them to have a pleasant experience with our priest so that if they hear the calling they don't dismiss it. Deb Ryan Nisswa, Minn. He is married. He was Episcopalian and was ordained a Catholic priest 25 years ago. When he talks about marriage you know he knows and understands. Suzi Wasiak Gilbert, Ariz. His humanity and humility. Just because he is a priest doesn't mean he knows everything, and he realizes that. Brother Dom Sanpietro Brownsville, Texas Brownsville is the county seat of Cameron County, Texas, United States, the southernmost city in Texas. As of 2005, U.S. Census estimates put Brownsville at a population of 167,493. General Comments The best priests I have known exude ex·ude v. To ooze or pass gradually out of a body structure or tissue. happiness in their chosen vocation rather than treating the priesthood as merely a job. Mary Jane Gregory Hockessin, Del. Most parishes have but one priest now, and there are hundreds without any. We need priests. Eucharist is primary. Celibacy is not! Father Kevin Forsyth Naugatuck, Conn. I am appalled at the excessive concern about a priest's sexual orientation sexual orientation n. The direction of one's sexual interest toward members of the same, opposite, or both sexes, especially a direction seen to be dictated by physiologic rather than sociologic forces. , which would bar good men from serving God's people as a priest. If one is celibate, one's orientation is moot. Homosexuality does not equal pedophilia pedophilia, psychosexual disorder in which there is a preference for sexual activity with prepubertal children. Pedophiles are almost always males. The children are more often of the opposite sex (about twice as often) and are typically 13 years or age or younger; . Kris Ivancic Tupelo, Miss. I am 65 years old, and I can recall only one priest I didn't like. On the whole, I think priests are wonderful. The biggest tragedy of the abuse scandal is how the vast majority of priests have been so hurt and that it probably has crippled their ability to display affection for their people for fear that even a touch might be misinterpreted. Rita Conley Sicklerville, N.J. Seminaries today accept too many men/boys who follow--those who take direction from EWTN EWTN Eternal Word Television Network and Steubenville--rather than men who lead with intelligence and integrity and who are open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Name withheld Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, city (1990 pop. 281,140), seat of El Paso co., central Colo., on Monument and Fountain creeks, at the foot of Pikes Peak; inc. 1886. It is a year-round resort and a booming military, technological, and commercial city. , Colo. I regard it as a responsibility of parishioners to help our priests utilize their talents and gifts in the best way possible. Don Koza Frederick, Md. I know many seminarians, and what amazes me is their dedication and devotion to holiness (something I see less of in older priests). They have such a joy in their vocation. Ann-Marie Yeley Houston, Texas I have wide experience of Protestant churches--my husband is a United Methodist pastor. No Protestant church I have experienced would accept the little contact with their pastor that is the norm in large Roman Catholic parishes. We need to ordain ORDAIN. To ordain is to make an ordinance, to enact a law. 2. In the constitution of the United States, the preamble. declares that the people "do ordain and establish this constitution for the United States of America. married men and women, and we need smaller ratios of clergy to laypeople lay·peo·ple or lay people pl.n. Laymen and laywomen. . Kathleen Tillinghast Eureka, Calif. I admire most priests for their attempts to be good at everything people expect of them. There are too many demands placed on priests today--often unrealistic expectations. Most are very generous with themselves and their time and are often close to burnout Burnout Depletion of a tax shelter's benefits. In the context of mortgage backed securities it refers to the percentage of the pool that has prepaid their mortgage. . T. Warnick Gerrardstown, W.V. Join the conversation--online. In addition to a sample of subscribers, all are invited to respond to next month's Sounding Board at www.uscatholic.org. This month, join readers as they debate the proper age for Confirmation.
AND THE
SURVEY SAYS ...
1. The most important qualities of
a parish priest are ... (respondents
could pick three):
139 votes Spiritual depth.
99 Kindness and sensitivity.
80 Communication skills.
66 Collaborative style of
management.
51 Excellent preaching.
45 A gift for leading the Mass.
31 Intelligence and a good
mind.
23 Passion for social justice.
22 Sterling character.
17 A gift for hearing Confession.
11 Devotion to Catholic
schools and religious ed.
9 Strong administrative skills.
2. As a rule, I'm happy with my
parish priest(s).
Agree 76%
Disagree 13%
Other 11%
3. Who should have the greatest
say in selecting a new pastor?
35% The entire parish.
28% The bishop.
15% The parish council.
5% The chancery.
4% Sunday Massgoers.
13% Other.
4. On a scale of 1 (not important)
to 5 (most important), I would
prefer my parish priest to be:
4.8 Someone with exemplary
moral integrity.
4.4 Open to and comfortable
working with women.
4.0 Fluent in English and
familiar with American
customs.
2.7 Heterosexual.
2.3 Able to speak more than
one language.
2.1 From my diocese.
5. I believe the church hierarchy
is in tune with what American
Catholics want and need in a
priest.
Agree 24%
Disagree 66%
Other 10%
These results are based on
survey responses from 839 U.S.
CATHOLIC readers, website visitors,
and other Catholics.
Note: Table made from bar graph.
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