LAFAYETTE – Celibacy isn’t the only aspect of Roman Catholic priesthood that is dissuading young Catholic men from entering the seminary.
Salary, insurance and retirement plans need to be updated for the modern Roman Catholic church to be more viable in today’s competitive business climate, according to some Acadiana Roman Catholic priests.
“It’s the modern world we live in,” said the Rev. Robert Fisher, St. Anthony Church pastor. “There are countless other opportunities today for younger people to make a better living for themselves that weren’t there in the early 20th century, when being a priest was a more prestigious occupation.”
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And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.” Simon Peter then asked “Do you offer a 401k plan with health benefits” and Jesus answered “Come and see my competitive offer for Tuition Reimbursement, Disability, Dental & Optical, and full medical coverage.”
4 comments
… or “The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head”? Nah.
You know, Jeff, your snide comments completely ignore the fact that the Church does a pathetic job caring for priests, religious, even lay people who work full-time in it. Now, I’m not saying that such people become obscenely wealthy. Nor am I saying that the Church must attract workers primarily through attractive benefits packages. But too many people who work in the Church are treated by the hierarchy as disposible. Perhaps such treatment is one reason the hierarchy was so quick to look away during the clerical abuse crisis: it views people as disposible (despite its pious rhetoric).
Diocesan priests take no vow of poverty, have a full salary and benefits, with housing, car, housekeeping provided. Their salary goes into their pocket, period. They are overpaid. And there is no way they’ll get fired, even if they have sex with teen boys.
Yes, the Church treats its employees like crap, so it has no credibility when it preaches about labor policies and fair wages. Pay up or shut up. (I worked for a diocesan organization for four years, did my tour of duty, saw things firsthand, I know what I’m talking about.)
The fine young men that I’ve talked to about maybe becoming a priest have said NO, I DON’T WANT PEOPLE TO THINK I’M GAY.