Tag: Priesthood

Commentators online cross about the Synod on Synodality’s penitential service say the cardinals’ public confessions on behalf of the church “don’t speak for me.” Be bemused at some of the language, but don't forget that intercession before God is what the priesthood is all about, writes Monica Doumit.

A band of merry mothers has taken a leaf out of St Monica’s book, turning to prayer and our Lord to guide their children, themselves and their family.

The future of the priesthood depends on the restoration of its relevance and status, and the reversal of decline in its morale, veteran seminary formator and former Broken Bay vicar-general Fr John Hill said in the inaugural McGuire Lecture at ACU on 7 August.

Sydney’s younger priests are likely to have come from families where daily Mass, nightly praying of the rosary and reading the lives of the saints were common, a recent survey has confirmed.

The Lord is always calling young men and women to join him in the work of sanctifying the world, some of them as priests or religious sisters or brothers.

A rising proportion of men entering the Good Shepherd Seminary from regional parts of Australia has Fr Michael de Stoop wondering if the COVID pandemic had a temporary dampening effect of vocations from the cities and other urban centres.

Joy rung out from a packed St Mary’s Cathedral as three Sydney men were ordained to the priesthood on 11 July.

I grew up wounded by an experience of early abandonment, but it was precisely in my imperfect but faithful family life where my vocation was planted and nurtured.

Deacons Adrian Suyanto, Likisone Tominiko and Br Charbel Mary Francis will be ordained at St Mary’s Cathedral on 14 July. Here they share their reflections on serving God’s people thus far and their hopes for the priestly ministry.

Bishop Peter Ingham recalls his early days of priesthood serving St Joseph’s parish in Newtown and the rocky start to his friendship with its pastor Monsignor John Byrne.

In every case, money matters caused pain and misery in the parish community. It’s hugely sad. But that’s what can happen, because money brings out the best and worst in us, says Philippa Martyr.

It’s been a few decades since I was ordained, and it’s sometimes hard work, but summoning the whole of creation to prayer every morning never gets old. I don’t know why other priests don’t love their jobs as much as I do, asks Philippa Martyr.