Is there really a shortage of Catholic priests in Ireland?

In recent days there have been reports across the print media of bishops pointing out that there is a shortage of priests in Ireland.

Conscious that everything we say and do is nuanced, this blog believes there is not a shortage of priests in Ireland.

Yes, there were far more priests in the country 10, 20, 30, 40,in saecula saeculorum. But what were they doing; tripping over one another?

The problem is not the paucity of priests but how the entire system is managed.

There is little or no joined-up thinking.

There is no open and honest dialogue between bishops and provincials; everyone has his own fiefdom.

Anytime meetings or assemblies are called people seldom if ever speak their minds.

And then the secrecy and gossip accentuates the confusion and sadness.

Of course there are pockets, where great things are happening but those men generally are flying close under the radar.

Far too many priests are afraid to speak their minds;  the clerical chatter is alive and well, indeed, might even now be in the ascendancy.

Fear and bullying play a role in the mess.

The words we use need to convey what they mean; there is no place for game playing. It's far too late for one more day of that nonsense.

One simple example; pick up a Sunday letter at the back of any church and look at the content and lay out. Anytime I go into a church I look at these Sunday letters and can't believe how poorly they are produced. And they could be so well done, a magnet for people to pick up and read.