Question for my Catholic brothers and sisters

Xeno.of.athens · Wednesday at 9:55 AM

Always in His Presence said:
Valid thoughts:

Is it your understanding that Priest work non stop? They work from the time they wake up until they go to sleep?

I'd be curious what a typical week looks like to a Priest.

you could try asking a priest.

Always in His Presence · Wednesday at 11:38 AM

stevevw said:
I think so. Not sure about as soon as they wake up lol. But if there is need there is need.

The thing I noticed with the early church was it seemed a community where everyone pitches in. The overseer/elders could be called to another church who was in need. Or just travelling on missionaries.

Paul mentions the list of responsibilities of an overseer who virtually is shepherding the flock. Which means there pretty weel on call all the time. I could imagine all the everyday problems of a large church of people. Especially if the surrounding culture is a powerful influence which could lure believers away or encroach into the church.

If the members are to live as Christians by the teachings then I would think that this means giving support and counsel to people with marriage difficulties, addictions, family problems, all of the problems people face. As well as constantly ensuring everyone is being supported in times of competing ideologies.

I think it demands pretty much a fulltime job. Remembering that they all pitched in to support the Christian community practically which is now being done by the secular welfare state. From what I understand each church had more than one overseer and sometimes several were needed.

I think the church may have lived fairly seperate from mainstream society like a self supporting community so as to ensure that they were not compromised by the surrounding pagan culture.

But when you consider that the church should be taking care of its own first as pointed out by overlooking the widows .That there are many unaddressed issues within the church and outside as far as the gospel and helping the poor I think theres heaps more to be done and the church is falling behind.

Xeno.of.athens said:
you could try asking a priest.

I am an Ordained minister, (separated to the work of the ministry) who shepherds a growing church along with my Sacerdotal Duties I also visit the sick, counsel and Stevevw's description is my life to a T. I am on call 24/7/365. Add to the schedule my 7-8 international trips every year where I am an adjunct professor of theology. I'd say it is pretty much a full schedule.

I also have a wife - six children and now nine grandchildren. -

That is the reason for my query.

Xeno.of.athens said:
It is true that Pentecostal and Evangelical communities in some parts of the world, such as Zambia, are experiencing rapid growth and an urgent demand for ministers.

Also globally - not just is Zambia, but Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa also. In the US we have plateaued, so it is not just a localized anomaly, but a global movement

Xeno.of.athens said:
However, this localised expansion does not necessarily reflect the global ecclesial reality,

It sure does - I request please that you review the stats I already posted showing. Pentecostal and Evangelicals are the top two of the fastest growing denominations in the world.

Xeno.of.athens said:
nor does it constitute a theological or sacramental superiority.

No one is saying it does.

Xeno.of.athens said:
Growth in numbers alone is not the measure of ecclesial authenticity or divine favour.

Not alone - but How do you show you have ecclesial authority and Divine favor without producing fruit for the Kingdom of God? Doing the work of the ministry produces growth.

But this information is for the other thread - I think we have mixed them up.

Xeno.of.athens · Wednesday at 11:53 AM

Always in His Presence said:
I am an Ordained minister, (separated to the work of the ministry) who shepherds a growing church along with my Sacerdotal Duties I also visit the sick, counsel and Stevevw's description is my life to a T. I am on call 24/7/365. Add to the schedule my 7-8 international trips every year where I am an adjunct professor of theology. I'd say it is pretty much a full schedule.

I also have a wife - six children and now nine grandchildren. -

That is the reason for my query.

Also globally - not just is Zambia, but Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa also. In the US we have plateaued, so it is not just a localized anomaly, but a global movement

It sure does - I request please that you review the stats I already posted showing. Pentecostal and Evangelicals are the top two of the fastest growing denominations in the world.

No one is saying it does.

Not alone - but How do you show you have ecclesial authority and Divine favor without producing fruit for the Kingdom of God? Doing the work of the ministry produces growth.

But this information is for the other thread - I think we have mixed them up.

The answer to your question, "How do you show you have ecclesial authority and divine favour", seems very obvious. You do what is pleasing to God, you teach what is true, and you don't divert from those two things.

Always in His Presence · Wednesday at 12:01 PM

moved answer to appropriate thread

Always in His Presence · Wednesday at 12:14 PM

Moved from the other thread - this is the proper one

Xeno.of.athens said:
why are you telling me about your ministry and life. I had answered a question that you raised about what a priest would do in a typical week. my answer was straightforward: why not ask a priest?

It is called explaining the reasoning behind my question. Are there any priests here? If so, I'd be happy to ask them, if not, I can only respond to the current participants.

Always in His Presence · Wednesday at 12:15 PM

Xeno.of.athens said:
The answer to your question, "How do you show you have ecclesial authority and divine favour", seems very obvious. You do what is pleasing to God, you teach what is true, and you don't divert from those two things.

Amen - and that is exactly what I have been doing for 4 decades and it produces fruit and the church grows every time.

John 15:
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Xeno.of.athens · Wednesday at 12:28 PM

Always in His Presence said:
Moved from the other thread - this is the proper one

It is called explaining the reasoning behind my question. Are there any priests here? If so, I'd be happy to ask them, if not, I can only respond to the current participants.

The intended meaning of my answer is this: ask a priest. The priest does not have to be a participant on Christian forums. There are many priests in the world and I am sure there are some who live not far from you, unless you live in a very isolated place far from any Catholic community. After all, if one wants to know what a priest does with his week, the most obvious way to find that would be to ask a priest. I don't think it's a theological question that we should be debating.

I can provide a summary from copilot of the duties of a priest, and how they might be executed in a typical week:

⛪ Core Liturgical Responsibilities

Celebration of Mass: Daily Mass (often early morning), with special emphasis on Sunday liturgies.
Sacraments: Administering baptisms, weddings, funerals, confessions, and anointing of the sick.
Homily Preparation: Crafting sermons that reflect theological depth and pastoral relevance.

Pastoral Care

Counselling and Spiritual Direction: Offering guidance to individuals and families, especially in times of crisis or discernment.
Visitation: Regular visits to the sick, elderly, and homebound parishioners, often including hospitals and aged care facilities.
Community Presence: Attending parish events, school functions, and local gatherings to foster relationships.

Teaching and Formation

Catechesis: Leading RCIA sessions, sacramental preparation classes, and adult faith formation.
Youth Ministry: Supporting youth groups, school chaplaincy, and retreats.
Bible Studies and Lectures: Facilitating theological discussions and scriptural engagement.

️ Administrative Duties

Parish Management: Overseeing staff, finances, property maintenance, and parish communications.
Meetings: Regular sessions with parish councils, finance committees, and ministry leaders.
Planning: Coordinating liturgical calendars, outreach programs, and strategic parish initiatives.

Outreach and Community Engagement

Pastoral Care Programs: Supporting initiatives like food banks, bereavement support, and social justice efforts.
Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations: Engaging with other Christian communities and local religious leaders.
Volunteer Coordination: Encouraging lay participation and recognising contributions.

Personal and Spiritual Life

Prayer and Study: Maintaining a rhythm of personal prayer, spiritual reading, and theological study.
Rest and Recreation: Finding time for rest, hobbies, and personal renewal—though often interrupted by pastoral needs.

Always in His Presence · Wednesday at 1:55 PM

Xeno.of.athens said:
The intended meaning of my answer is this: ask a priest. The priest does not have to be a participant on Christian forums. There are many priests in the world and I am sure there are some who live not far from you, unless you live in a very isolated place far from any Catholic community. After all, if one wants to know what a priest does with his week, the most obvious way to find that would be to ask a priest. I don't think it's a theological question that we should be debating.

I can provide a summary from copilot of the duties of a priest, and how they might be executed in a typical week:

⛪ Core Liturgical Responsibilities

Celebration of Mass: Daily Mass (often early morning), with special emphasis on Sunday liturgies.

Sacraments: Administering baptisms, weddings, funerals, confessions, and anointing of the sick.

Homily Preparation: Crafting sermons that reflect theological depth and pastoral relevance.

Pastoral Care

Counselling and Spiritual Direction: Offering guidance to individuals and families, especially in times of crisis or discernment.

Visitation: Regular visits to the sick, elderly, and homebound parishioners, often including hospitals and aged care facilities.

Community Presence: Attending parish events, school functions, and local gatherings to foster relationships.

Teaching and Formation

Catechesis: Leading RCIA sessions, sacramental preparation classes, and adult faith formation.

Youth Ministry: Supporting youth groups, school chaplaincy, and retreats.

Bible Studies and Lectures: Facilitating theological discussions and scriptural engagement.

️ Administrative Duties

Parish Management: Overseeing staff, finances, property maintenance, and parish communications.

Meetings: Regular sessions with parish councils, finance committees, and ministry leaders.

Planning: Coordinating liturgical calendars, outreach programs, and strategic parish initiatives.

Outreach and Community Engagement

Pastoral Care Programs: Supporting initiatives like food banks, bereavement support, and social justice efforts.

Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations: Engaging with other Christian communities and local religious leaders.

Volunteer Coordination: Encouraging lay participation and recognising contributions.

Personal and Spiritual Life

Prayer and Study: Maintaining a rhythm of personal prayer, spiritual reading, and theological study.

Rest and Recreation: Finding time for rest, hobbies, and personal renewal—though often interrupted by pastoral needs.

Almost to the letter of what I and other Pastors do! yet we are married and raise families.

Xeno.of.athens · Wednesday at 5:11 PM

Always in His Presence said:
Almost to the letter of what I and other Pastors do! yet we are married and raise families.

And?

What is this about?

If you knew what priests do in their week, what was The point of asking?

Always in His Presence · Wednesday at 10:55 PM

Xeno.of.athens said:
And?

What is this about?

If you knew what priests do in their week, what was The point of asking?

I didn’t. Thanks for sharing.

stevevw · Wednesday at 11:56 PM

Always in His Presence said:
I am an Ordained minister, (separated to the work of the ministry) who shepherds a growing church along with my Sacerdotal Duties I also visit the sick, counsel and Stevevw's description is my life to a T. I am on call 24/7/365. Add to the schedule my 7-8 international trips every year where I am an adjunct professor of theology. I'd say it is pretty much a full schedule.

I also have a wife - six children and now nine grandchildren. -

That is the reason for my query.

Ok good on you and its good you have a suporting wife. It sounds like you have your hands full.

Always in His Presence said:
Also globally - not just is Zambia, but Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa also. In the US we have plateaued, so it is not just a localized anomaly, but a global movement

Wow you are a busy man. Sounds like a fulltime job lol.

Valletta · Thursday at 3:23 AM

mourningdove~ said:
It is not healthy to attempt to live a celibate life, unless one has been given the gift of celibacy. But clearly not all priests are given it. With all we now know about homosexual activity, sexual abuse, and fathering children ... clearly the celibacy mandate is not working for the RCC.

There are over a billion Catholics, and Catholics, including priests, are sinners. But with priests becoming priests at an older age, where they are more mature, they knowingly take on the vow of celibacy. To get a rough idea of how often it happens, CBS did a story about the Chicago diocese. It is a good sign that not a priest remains who has fathered a child within the last twenty years in the diocese:

Four Priests Who Fathered Children Remain In The Chicago Archdiocese

"A very small number of priests in the Archdiocese of Chicago have fathered children. The latest case was nearly twenty years ago."

www.cbsnews.com

Given the small number the conclusion that "the celibacy mandate" is not working seems way out of line. Priests lovingly take on the vow of celibacy, as the Bible tells us this is a wonderful choice in the eyes of God.

Xeno.of.athens · Thursday at 6:15 AM

Always in His Presence said:
I'd be curious what a typical week looks like to a Priest.

Always in His Presence said:
Xeno.of.athens said:

And? What is this about? If you knew what priests do in their week, what was The point of asking?

Click to expand...

I didn’t. Thanks for sharing.

I think that you did in fact ask what a priest does in a typical week. ... Or do you mean that you didn't know what a priest does in a typical week of his priestly duties?

Always in His Presence · Thursday at 6:24 AM

Xeno.of.athens said:
I think that you did in fact ask what a priest does in a typical week. ... Or do you mean that you didn't know what a priest does in a typical week of his priestly duties?

??????? I didn’t not say I did not ask. I said I did not know. And I thanked you for telling me.

Good grief read your own words please.

Xeno.of.athens · Thursday at 7:34 AM

Always in His Presence said:
??????? I didn’t not say I did not ask. I said I did not know. And I thanked you for telling me.

Good grief read your own words please.

View attachment 368187

I am sorry, I am not a young man, my health is not great - so please try to be patient with me.

from my perspective, your reply was ambiguous, that is why I offered two alternative understandings of your message. I was asking which of the two was your intended meaning.

Always in His Presence · Thursday at 9:59 AM

Xeno.of.athens said:
I am sorry, I am not a young man, my health is not great - so please try to be patient with me.

from my perspective, your reply was ambiguous, that is why I offered two alternative understandings of your message. I was asking which of the two was your intended meaning.

As an old man myself - I completely understand.

I will keep you in prayer for your health.

mourningdove~ · Thursday at 10:19 AM

Valletta said:
Given the small number the conclusion that "the celibacy mandate" is not working seems way out of line. Priests lovingly take on the vow of celibacy, as the Bible tells us this is a wonderful choice in the eyes of God.

Singleness can be a way to live a life more focused on God ... without a doubt ... but can you share a verse or verses from the Bible where "the Bible tells us" that celibacy is a "wonderful choice in the eyes of God"?

I'm not doubting there might be one or some, but I can't think of any at the moment.

Valletta · Thursday at 10:34 AM

mourningdove~ said:
Singleness can be a way to live a life more focused on God ... without a doubt ... but can you share a verse or verses from the Bible where "the Bible tells us" that celibacy is a "wonderful choice in the eyes of God"?

I'm not doubting there might be one or some, but I can't think of any at the moment.

Paul speaks of this in Corinthians, 1 Cor 7. The words I wrote were mine, not his. Celibacy is a discipline that Catholic priests are fully aware of when they become priests.

Valletta · Thursday at 10:37 AM

Always in His Presence said:
I'd be curious what a typical week looks like to a Priest.

There are different vocations within the priesthood. They all spend a lot of time in prayer.

mourningdove~ · Thursday at 10:51 AM

Valletta said:
Paul speaks of this in Corinthians, 1 Cor 7. The words I wrote were mine, not his. Celibacy is a discipline that Catholic priests are fully aware of when they become priests.

I'm assuming you are referring to verses 7 thru 9:

It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6 But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. 7 For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.

8 But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; 9 but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

If you use that passage to support priestly celibacy, doesn't it also say that "it is better to marry than to burn with passion"? No offense intended, but given what we know (homosexuality, SA, fathering of children), doesn't it seem like there have been/are quite a few 'celibate' priests who are burning with passion?

Question for my Catholic brothers and sisters

I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven.

Jesus is the only Way

I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven.

Jesus is the only Way

Jesus is the only Way

Jesus is the only Way

I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven.

⛪ Core Liturgical Responsibilities​

Pastoral Care​

Teaching and Formation​

️ Administrative Duties​

Outreach and Community Engagement​

Personal and Spiritual Life​

Jesus is the only Way

⛪ Core Liturgical Responsibilities​

Pastoral Care​

Teaching and Formation​

️ Administrative Duties​

Outreach and Community Engagement​

Personal and Spiritual Life​

I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven.

Jesus is the only Way

inquisitive

Well-Known Member

​

I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven.

Jesus is the only Way

I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven.

Jesus is the only Way

"Pray, and prepare ..."

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

"Pray, and prepare ..."