Via Vatican Watcher:
“The status of clergy has declined in the U.S. and around the world,” Gultier said. “People used to hold up the clergy as a pillar. Now it’s seen as just another low-paying, white-collar job.”
I wonder if the white-collar part was intentional? Even funnier it the author didn’t make the connection to the Roman collar. Of course anyone attracted to the priesthood because it was well paying, probably wasn’t being called in the first place. Though like for all Christians it does have a great retirement plan unless you opted for the millstone package.
6 comments
You didn’t mention that priests get plenty of vacation time – after all, God does most of the work.
Off topic, how can I subscribe to “Prayboy”?
An old Oxford joke was: The pay isn’t much but the fringe benefits are out of this world.
LOL, especially cracked up at the millstone part.
And I did fall for the joke word verification! I sat and stared for a moment, perplexed!
Thanks for the laugh!
Part of the problem comes from many priests treating the priesthood like a “job”. I asked my previous pastor if he could come and speak to our prayer group one Monday night and he replied, “Sorry, Monday is my day off.” And, it is true, that the vacation package, is better than any I’ve ever had!
I don’t think it’s fair to criticize the priest for taking a day off. All people who work need a day of rest – Christians should respect that. Priests can’t take Sundays off because well, you know why.
Our pastor has to take at least one day of rest because his health depends on it.
Your group ought to change the day so he can speak.
Anyone who would consider the priesthood for its employment benefits might not only be missing a true vocation but also a few brain cells. I know priests who don’t even get a day off on their day off, haven’t “vacated” in years, may never retire,(their “retired” brothers work just as hard but travel more) and would be happy with a lunchbreak. Most of them would tell you that their work brings them great joy, even if they are exhausted. But what tires them more than their schedule, I perceive, is the general lack of response to Christ’s love from those they serve.