What are the prime qualifications for a priest or minister? (Priesthood Discussion)

by Nick , dianella, west australia, Sunday, March 22, 2009, 15:56 (1523 days ago) @ Liz

The various comments make interesting reading. Thus I take the liberty to add a few more.

40 years ago and since many have "left the priesthood" -
Just how can they leave and by taking up anpother mode of life does it mean that they are no longer "priests" ?

What has happen to that piece from the ordination ceremony -
"You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek" - in view of the eroa that this comes from I can safely assume that Melchizedek was anything but celibate !

Furthermore, in relation to the secular clergy - including bishops - at the present time have very little if no relevance to my life. I need that priest, in my present state of mindset and framework, as I need my local medico or local mechanic. He performs a specific function within my life framework. It is time that bishops also realised that the only purpose they have is to perfom their "sole corporate" function in our legal, polictical and economic framework.

The spirtual aspect of my life comes from another source and inspiration and that inspiration is from within myself that is helped in its formation by such simple common sense code as the Rule of St Benedict.

If I found that my local parish, or for that matter any parish near me, operated on the principles thaT St Mary's in South Brisbane does - many years ago I attended Mass at St Mary's by accident while at a conference in Brisbane - it would mean that the organistaion referred to as the Catholic Church took my needs seriously.

If the Catholic Church also recognised the fact that the scarifice of the Mass can be celebrated by any person, irrespective of their geneder and open sexuality, it would have far greater relevance to many more than it is today. This would also mean that priests and bishops would be closer to their communities.

Unfortunately those controlling the structure of the Catholic Church do not really care about the members of the flock whom they are supposed to be shepherds of.

NAgocs