Incidentally, the three of us became priests during the only period in which the U.S.A. provided enough native priests to fulfill the needs of the parishes serving God’s People throughout the U.S.A. That window of some 20 years from 1940-60 was preceded by the ministry of international priests who met many of the needs of the Catholic population from the beginning of our country. Since 1960, the number of priestly ordinations per year has declined while the number of Catholic people to be served has increased by some 20-25 million during the same period of time. The total number of diocesan priests (active and retired) in the U.S.A. has declined by a bit over 10% in the last decade and by more than 25% in the last 25 years. Those who became priests in the late 50’s when I did are now of retirement age and beyond. Last year, the number of diocesan priests nationally who were ordained was less than 500. In order to establish in the number of diocesan priests, more than 700 ordinations per year would be required.
A Crisis in the Church
The Bishops of our country know their responsibility of meeting the needs of people in parishes when there is a shortage of priests. They attempt different approaches. When parishes are amalgamated and some end up being closed, there is oftentimes a hue and cry from the people affected. Some choose to respond by bringing in international priests.
The authorities from CARA who shared their findings with us indicated that there are 15-25% of international priests serving in the U.S.A. at the present time. Some 35 dioceses have more than 50% of their presbyterate who are international priests. This presents linguistic and cultural issues for the people. In some cases, chaos results in parishes. I do believe that our people need to be informed. Thus, I share this with you. There is a need for humility, patience and large dose of love or charity.
Some of us may have different ideas for different approaches to this crisis. Yet, there is no doubt that there is a crisis. More priestly vocations are needed. More understanding on the part of us all is required since the call or command of the Lord to evangelize our culture is something we all share through our common priesthood of our Baptism.