From Mr Arthur Palmer SIR – The Archdiocese of Westminster is currently discussing the restructuring and running of its parishes, due to the shortage of priests and vocations. Back in the 1960s Cardinal John Carmel Heenan foresaw such a time if vocations were not forthcoming. It appears that one priest may have to run several parishes, and re-order the Mass times in each parish.
One Vocations Sunday I heard a priest say from the lectern: “We priests were not hatched under chalices on the altar, but come from biological mothers and fathers just like you.” We need to foster more vocations, and to encourage those who we serve to have a strong vocation, either to the priesthood or the sisterhood. More Holy Hours could be one avenue to be explored; another, the rosary and all-night vigils.
I suspect that many mothers and fathers today would not like their sons or daughters to offer themselves, as they did in years gone by. The secular world has far greater inducements to offer them. “The harvest is great and the labourers few.” Yours faithfully, ARTHUR PALMER London N2