By Sarah Mac Donald - 30 April, 2020
Archbishop Michael Neary
Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam has warned that God’s call to the priesthood could “easily lose its urgency and may even go unheard” amidst today’s clamouring culture.
In his pastoral letter for Vocations Sunday this weekend, the Archbishop stressed that priesthood was a demanding but fulfilling life. “Like any vocation it has its ups and downs, its joys and sorrows.”
Vocations Sunday is the Universal Church’s annual celebration of priesthood and is an opportunity to pray for and encourage vocations to the diocesan priesthood and religious life.
In his pastoral letter, Dr Neary noted that in today’s culture “people experience constant pressures – competitive climate, productivity in the workplace, educational demands, etc. With so many situations clamouring for our time and attention it is understandable that God’s call could easily lose its urgency and may even go unheard.”
Extending an invitation to young men to reflect on whether God may be calling them to follow him as a priest, the Archbishop of Tuam also encouraged the People of God to pray that the Lord would inspire young men to hear and answer his call.
He told the faithful, “Should someone known to you express interest in a vocation to the priesthood, I ask you to keep that person in your prayers and encourage him.”
The Archdiocese of Tuam is preparing for the priestly ordination of Deacon Shane Costello.
Asking for prayers for the other students studying for the permanent diaconate, Dr Neary said, “The ordination of a priest demonstrates how much faith is alive in a local Church.”
But he also acknowledged that recent years have been a difficult time for priests – “All of us are affected by the scandals associated with some priests and bishops”.
“Having apologised for these on numerous occasions in the past we must never become complacent but endeavour to maintain the highest standards of integrity in ministry as we continue to keep victims in our thoughts and prayers,” he said.
Speaking personally, the Archbishop said that while he appreciated and would always be grateful for the theological formation and years of study he obtained, he had learned more from the people of God with whom he worked and prayed.
Referring to the current restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19, he said that as Church “we have been endeavouring to maintain and sustain our relationship with the Lord and with each other in ways which are in keeping with the health restrictions”.
Thanks to modern technology and social media the celebration of Mass is live-streamed to homes and people are in contact with neighbours and friends.
“Of course we miss the visits, the coming together whether for worship, work, sporting or social occasions,” he acknowledged but noted that the busyness that controlled our lives is not as dominant now. “We have more time to reflect and so to tune in to God and consider what God may be saying to us.”
Discussing the various gifts and vocations in the Church, Archbishop Neary spoke about the interdependence between marriage, the single life, the religious life and priesthood.
“The present situation affords an opportunity to pause and acknowledge our dependence on each other, our responsibility to support, encourage, challenge and pray for each other.”
“Next Sunday we will celebrate a day of prayer for vocations. The different vocations which I mentioned do not compete with each other but rather collaborate with, affirm and challenge each other.”
He highlighted again that the priest is called to be a facilitator, enabling married couples, single persons and those in religious life to interpret God’s call for them, encouraging and supporting them in answering their call.
Vocations Sunday will be marked this year on 3 May and will include the broadcast of Mass on RTÉ 1 television at 11.00am.
For more information please see www.catholicbishops.ie/2020/04/28/resources-for-vocations-sunday-3-may-2020/ which includes the text of the message of Pope Francis for Vocations Sunday 2020.
The Catholic Bishops’ website has also published some short pieces on how priests are coping and reaching out online during this Covid-19 pandemic (courtesy of The Digital Parish).
Father Charlie McDonnell, Westport Parish in the Archdiocese of Tuam
Father Oliver Crilly, Diocese of Down and Connor
Father John Kenny, Partry Parish in the Archdiocese of Tuam
Father Michael Toomey, St Peter and Paul’s Parish, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
Father Paddy McCafferty, Corpus Christi Parish, Belfast, Down and Connor Diocese
Father Tom Hayes, Enniskeane Parish, Diocese of Cork and Ross
Father Tom Cox, Administrator, Shannonbridge Parish, Ardagh and Clonmacnois
Live streaming of Masses and Services from churches in Ireland and the UK can be found here: http://churchservices.tv
