Watching a church in need of saving grace

This week’s Mediahuis Irish regional newspapers’ column.

Michael Commane

RTÉ’s programme ‘The Last Priests in Ireland' aired on Monday, January 15 was a respectful portrayal in chronicling the ever dwindling numbers of men studying for the Catholic priesthood. Ardal O’Hanlon did a good job and the priests who featured were impressive. 

The Army chaplain spoke wise words. I liked the Limerick priest’s understanding of community and how he had reconfigured the church interior. The priest from Tipperary came across as an enthusiastic young man, who was making it his business to help people and to be with them in their search for God.

The majority of Catholic priests are fine men but priesthood is in trouble. The dogs on the street know there is something wrong but really is there any genuine attempt to improve matters? Anyone who is a member of any organisation or grouping knows when matters are amiss.

I get the impression there is little or no real and honest communication between priests and then between priests and their bishops or provincials.

The sort or style of shadow boxing that made the sad shocking story of clerical child sex abuse so bad and horrible still exists in the clerical world.

For reasons beyond my understanding, people of faith who love their church are far too slow in challenging the priest or indeed, bishop. When last did you speak your mind, openly and honestly with your local priest? Did you ever tell him you disagreed with how he conducts the Sunday liturgy? 

In the context of the parish is there ever open discussion about our image of God? What does the Trinity mean? What relevance does the Virgin birth have to believing people? What role does a parish council have? Is there any place for theological discussion in a parish? What do we know about the Bible, indeed, what do we know about the lay out of the Mass? Many parish newsletters are embarrassing to read.

Do bishops or provincials make it their business to reach out to their brother priests in a real and meaningful way? The system is collapsing in front of our eyes and while that’s happening a far-right brigade is in the process of taking over and bringing us back to a closed dark church of the 1950s.

I’m aware of a situation where a religious congregation called in a consultant to survey the lie of the land. The management team was not happy with the findings so the full report was never published. That’s where the Irish Catholic Church is today. 

What’s happening in politics all over the world is also at play within the Catholic Church. Our church is being far too influenced by an American style of Christian nationalism, which is neither Christian nor national. Just look at how American evangelists are throwing their holy weight behind Donald Trump. 

He is offering to restore America to its rightful place in the world. He pretends he wants to go back to the good old  ‘Christian’ times. Other dangerous men play similar games. That’s not where our future lies