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To: NYer
This article confirms what was discussed on another recent thread. All of the supposed "good news" about slightly larger seminary classes cannot cover up the fact that the priesthood is facing demographic wipeout. A large cohort of priests is facing the end of the road. A newly-ordained priest who was 30 in 1962 is now 71. There is a 40-year gap in which there were hardly any new vocations but massive defections of existing priests. Seeing the number of annual ordinations rise from 5 to 8 in an enormous diocese like Los Angeles or Boston cannot do anything to go back and undo those 40 years.

Thank God that many of these older priests are choosing to serve right up until they reach the end of the road. Our pastor is over 80 and the Jesuit who comes in to say the indult Mass is 78, and recently returned from an enforced stay in a nursing home. But no matter how dedicated they are, they cannot go on forever. And when they finally die, there is no one to take their place.
3 posted on 05/21/2003 7:31:53 AM PDT by Maximilian
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To: Maximilian
**All of the supposed "good news" about slightly larger seminary classes cannot cover up the fact that the priesthood is facing demographic wipeout.**

I don't think so. There are also an ever increasing number of men who are deciding to become permanent deacons.

Check the links here, too. And the personal email to me. This is an exciting trend. We will see more of it!

Praying for vocations constantly and 24/7 Adoration will bring this about. Also Family Rosary Nights.
15 posted on 05/23/2003 6:39:38 PM PDT by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
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