KAIROS

The results of the Association of Catholic Priests' survey on an ageing and dying Irish priest population coupled with minimal new vocations to the priesthood are a double edged sword.

Either the Catholic Church can sit back and conveniently blame the lack of vocations on the negative religious outlook of a post Christian society or it can embrace the present challenge by accepting its own contribution to the present priestly famine and look for new solutions.

An exclusive all male priesthood and hierarchy is not fit for purpose in an age where gender equality is now a given and being built into our society's structures.

A Patriarchical structure excluding 50% of our population is no longer acceptable as a suitable governing system in our democratic culture.

Importing priests to fill the priestly shortage is reminiscent of the little Dutch boy who tries to plugs a dyke with his finger. 

While the synodal process is a hopeful sign that new green shoots are being allowed and even encouraged to grow the ever present danger is that these shoots of the Spirit may be so heavily pruned that they may never grow into maturity. 

It must be clear by now that tinkering at the edges will not reinvigorate the Catholic Church. 

The Pope invited the entire People of God to participate in the synodal process.

He must now be courageous enough to adopt the radical changes that are being universally proposed.

This moment in time is a Kairos - a God appointed time for a totally renewed Church.

Let's hope and pray that this opportunity is fully and wholeheartedly grasped.

Brendan Butler