Aims of the Association of Catholic Priests
"Providing a voice for Irish Catholic priests at a time when that voice is largely silent and needs to be expressed;
Giving an opportunity for Irish priests to engage proactively with the crucial debates taking place in Irish society;
Full implementation of the vision and teaching of the Second Vatican Council, with special emphasis on:
The primacy of the individual conscience.
The status and active participation of all the baptised.
The task of establishing a Church where all believers will be treated as equal.
A redesigning of ministry in the Church, in order to develop the gifts, wisdom and expertise of the entire faith community, male and female.
A re-structuring of the governing system of the Church, basing it on service rather than on power, and encouraging at every level a culture of consultation and transparency, particularly in the appointment of Church leaders.
An equal place for women in all areas of Church life, including the governing systems and the various forms of ministry.
A re-evaluation of Catholic sexual teaching and practice that recognises the profound mystery of human sexuality and the experience and wisdom of God's people.
Promotion of peace, justice and the protection of God's creation locally, nationally and globally.
Recognition that Church and State are separate and that while the Church must preach the message of the Gospel and try to live it authentically, the State has the task of enacting laws for all its citizens.
Liturgical celebrations that use rituals and language that are easily understood, inclusive and accessible to all.
Strengthening relationships with our fellow Christians and other faiths.
Full acceptance that the Spirit speaks through all people, including those of faiths other than Christian and those of no religious faith, so that the breath of the Spirit will flow more freely."
Giving an opportunity for Irish priests to engage proactively with the crucial debates taking place in Irish society;
Full implementation of the vision and teaching of the Second Vatican Council, with special emphasis on:
The primacy of the individual conscience.
The status and active participation of all the baptised.
The task of establishing a Church where all believers will be treated as equal.
A redesigning of ministry in the Church, in order to develop the gifts, wisdom and expertise of the entire faith community, male and female.
A re-structuring of the governing system of the Church, basing it on service rather than on power, and encouraging at every level a culture of consultation and transparency, particularly in the appointment of Church leaders.
An equal place for women in all areas of Church life, including the governing systems and the various forms of ministry.
A re-evaluation of Catholic sexual teaching and practice that recognises the profound mystery of human sexuality and the experience and wisdom of God's people.
Promotion of peace, justice and the protection of God's creation locally, nationally and globally.
Recognition that Church and State are separate and that while the Church must preach the message of the Gospel and try to live it authentically, the State has the task of enacting laws for all its citizens.
Liturgical celebrations that use rituals and language that are easily understood, inclusive and accessible to all.
Strengthening relationships with our fellow Christians and other faiths.
Full acceptance that the Spirit speaks through all people, including those of faiths other than Christian and those of no religious faith, so that the breath of the Spirit will flow more freely."
It's quite the little shopping list isn't it! I'm not quite sure about the "Catholic" bit in the title though?
I am all for equality, but I do not want to do the work of a priest. I have plenty to do in the Church myself. It is not my job to say mass or hear confessions, thank God. It is my job to take Christ into my home, and into my community. I must do my part in bringing my husband, my children, my family, friends and even my enemies to heaven. (And if you have met my husband and children, you will now what a tall order that is!). I must teach my children the faith (as their so called catholic school will not), I must teach them to pray, and I must help them to love the Lord. This is my work, my priesthood. We all have a job to do, the problem is that we often do not want the job we have. We can not all be priests. Handing on the faith is vital, and it has not happened. Lay people have failed to do their part.
"Liturgical celebrations that use rituals and language that are easily understood, inclusive and accessible to all." Sounds like a horrible nightmare. I have endured this nonsense in the past. It offers nothing. It lacks the sacred. It lacks God. It is even embarrassing. Liturgy celebrated properly can be inclusive and accessible. I recommend the "Say the Black and do the red approach". I am though a big fan of active participation in the liturgy, I try to actively participate all the time. I pray in my pew. I recommend it.
I have to laugh at their desire to protect the state from the Church. It's pathetic!
As for the new association of priests, I think I will leave them in the hands of St Michael.
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