Prepare for priest shortage, Colorado bishop says - Nation - Brief Article

National Catholic Reporter, Nov 16, 2001 by Gill Donovan

In a pastoral letter to Catholics in his diocese, Colorado Springs Bishop Richard C. Hanifen said that priests and laity alike must be prepared for challenges posed by a declining number of priestly vocations.

He said that today's declining number of priests "calls for both prayer and trust," particularly as Catholics meet the challenge by using their "gifts, talents and creative imagination."

The bishop said one of the major consequences of a priest shortage may be that on occasion some parishes may be without the celebration of Mass "on a given Sunday." When priests are not available, he said parishes should conduct well-planned liturgies of the Word, led by deacons where available or trained laity, and usually including a Communion service.

Hanifen also outlined what he termed "reasonable expectations for our priests," since today's priest shortage directly impacts their workload.

"Priests are called to be men of prayer who are expected to create sufficient time to listen and be formed by the Holy Spirit," he added. They should not be expected to celebrate Mass more than three times on a Sunday and should limit their time at other liturgical celebrations such as weddings.

The bishop wrote that priests need to determine the "reasonable hours of service" they can give to their parish, noting that some dioceses suggest 50 hours per week.

Hanifen said he expected parishioners to worship together in their own church on Sundays, even when Mass is not available, because other churches simply do not have room to accommodate more people.

When priests are not available for previously scheduled baptisms or weddings, deacons cons or other priests may take their place, he said.

There are 23 active diocesan priests and 22 religious priests for the 32 parishes in the Colorado Springs diocese.