Priestless Parishes

Dealing with priestless parishes....

Recently the Diocese of Rockhampton which covers 415,000 square kilometres in central Queensland) has been discussing how it has been responding to the acute shortage of priests that is common in many parts of rurral Australia. Bishop Brian Heenan of Rockhampton in an article in Liturgy News (June 2008) reports that for many years small rural parishes have celebrated lay-led liturgies, and many 'look forward to Mass only about twice a year.'

He points out that lay led liturgies are now spreading to larger population centres to allow priests to travel to more remote areas for Mass, or to give them some time off for vacations of study. He says 'faithful parishioners have no illusions about the difference between lay-led liturgy and the full celebration of the Mass.' Bishop Heenan says that most people welcomed lay-led liturgies and 'appreciated the efforts of designated leaders.' However some preferred not to come and waited for the visit of the priest.

Rockhampton has worked hard to train leaders of these liturgies ,but the Bishop admits that it is difficult to attract leaders 'as it is difficult to stand up before one's fellow worshippers.' Leaders have to undergo a training programme and liturgical resources are made available to them through the diocese and the parish.

Catholics for Ministry would respectfully ask why these lay-leaders cannot be prepared for ordination as priests so that eventually the celebration of Mass can be restored ? We are certainly not criticising Bishop Heenan nor Rockhampton diocese.  They are responding creatively to a problem created by others The fault lies squarely with Benedict XVI and the Vatican,a as well as with the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference which refuses to admit that the problem even exists.    Paul Collins.