Advent Group (UK) - Support Group for Priests & Religious since 1969
Francis visits seven former priests, now married, and their families
- Created: 17 November 2016 17 November 2016
This afternoon the Pope paid a visit to some men who gave up the priesthood to start a family. On this final “Mercy Friday”, Francis wished to show his closeness to those who made a choice that does not always go down well with fellow priests and relativesRead more: Francis visits seven former priests, now married, and their families
To have and to hold and to give
- Created: 01 September 2016 01 September 2016
Two weeks ago I wrote a few words about a good man, Bishop Edward Daly who went to the Lord on August 8th. In recent days there has been an appreciation of his life published on the website of the Association of Catholic Priests, ACP, the forum of Irish priests that has been a voice for reform within the Irish Church. Written by Fr. Paddy O’Kane, who knew Edward Daly, his words reflect on the many facets of his life, a well-rounded man in his appreciation of others.
Read more: To have and to hold and to give
Courageous outlook needed to tackle the clergy shortage crisis
- Created: 24 July 2016 24 July 2016
Courageous outlook needed to tackle the clergy shortage crisis
From the Catholic Times
The Film - Spotlight
- Created: 03 February 2016 03 February 2016
It is 2002 and the Spotlight team at the Boston Globe has picked up a story about sexual abuse in the church. The problem is that no-one is willing to talk and the few leads they had led to nowhere. Evidence has been erased and mouths are tightly shut.
Read more: The Film - Spotlight
BISHOPS REJECT MARRIED PRIESTHOOD AND GENERAL ABSOLUTION
- Created: 02 January 2016 02 January 2016
BISHOPS REJECT MARRIED PRIESTHOOD AND GENERAL ABSOLUTION
29 December 2015 | by Liz Dodd
THE BISHOPS’ Conference of England and Wales rejected calls to ordain married men and permit services of General Absolution during a private session of its November plenary meeting.
At that meeting in Leeds a majority did not back a motion by the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, Seamus Cunningham, to support the ordination of married men.
The discussion, which was reported in the Northern Cross, the diocesan newspaper for Hexham and Newcastle, took place during a closed session of the plenary meeting. Topics for these sessions are not noted on the public agenda and the outcome is not made public with the objective of allowing bishops to speak freely.
Bishop Cunningham told his diocesan Council of Priests, who had asked him to raise the issue of married priests, that the bishops had a “calm and thoughtful” discussion about the tradition of the Church, the nature of sacrifice and celibacy, as well as the positive contribution of married priests. Following this the general consensus was “to maintain the traditional teaching of the Church for a celibate priesthood”, he said.