[Torie]

Instead, it says current priests should dedicate themselves to attracting more candidates by better explaining the priesthood to lay Catholics, and by encouraging children to consider religious vocations.

Somehow, the phraseology suggests a tin ear. Either the Church or I am behind the looking glass, on the far side of reality.

[John Beresford Tipton]

"the priesthood to lay Catholics,
and by encouraging children"

No, better not go *there*.....

[Aquinasfan]

Somehow, the phraseology suggests a tin ear.

The Catholic Church is the Universal Church, not the American/European Church. Overall, vocations are up. Between 1990 and 2000, total priests worldwide increased from 401,000 to 405,000. Missionary priests are beginning to come to the US.