Advent Group - Supporting Priests & Religious since 1969

Aims of Advent

+ To be a support group for men and women and their partners who have left the active ministry, or religious life.

+ To offer a safe haven for men and women who are considering change.

+ To be a support for others closely involved with the priest's or religious' decision.

+ To work for change in the Church and its ministry

The next synod will discuss Vocations (and the lack of them)

: Written by: Alex Walker; Created: 28 November 2016

The Pope said vocations exist, but need to be proposed in the right way

Pope Francis has said the next synod will discuss the decline in priestly vocations. In a conversation with Jesuits published by the Jesuit journal La Civiltà Cattolica, the Pope said: “With regard to local vocations, I say that the vocational decline will be spoken of at the next Synod. I believe that vocations exist, you just have to know how to propose them and how to attend to them.”

Francis visits seven former priests, now married, and their families

: Written by: Alex Walker; Created: 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 relatives

To have and to hold and to give

: Written by: Chris McDonnell; Created: 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.