AGM Local Radio Coverage
https://soundcloud.com/monica-morley-858811797/agm-of-acp-2017/s-z5dKE?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=facebook
https://soundcloud.com/monica-morley-858811797/agm-of-acp-2017/s-z5dKE?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=facebook
Statement from The Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) regretting both the removal of pictures of same-sex couples from World Meeting of Families (WMOF) booklets circulated to Irish parishes and the barring of the former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, from a conference to be held in the Vatican on “Why Women Matter.”
Margaret Lee presents the relevant facts in the debate in Ireland on proposed legislation around pregnancy and termination.
• This is an emotive issue. The ACP Leadership Team reminds readers of the principles to apply in commenting on the subject; you will find them above the ‘Comment box’ at the end of the article. In particular, any type of name-calling will be edited.
Deborah Rose-Milavec reports on www.futurechurch.org about the 2nd international meeting of priest associations and lay reform groups that recently took place in Limerick.
“The ACP believes that, at this most critical juncture for the Catholic Church in Ireland, the policies being pursued by Archbishop Browne in the choice of bishops are, in the main, inadequate to the needs of our time, at odds with the expectations of people and priests and out of sync with the new church dispensation, ushered in by the election of Pope Francis over three years ago and the changed perspective of his renewed commitment to the spirit of the Second Vatican Council.”
Notice and
Agenda of Annual General Meeting
In response to readers’ requests, Tony Flannery has put all the relevant documents of his case with the CDF together in one post — to make the situation clearer for those who are interested.
Give that woman a medal. Excellent reporting. Great radio.
Thank you for sharing this report. I wasn’t able to be there because of our November Masses so I really appreciated hearing all about it. Keep up the good work Tim. Listening to your experience was difficult but we live in hope that the work you are doing now will ensure no other priest will be treated like that again. God bless you all.
Gentlemen,
Congratulations, it sounds like you had a very dynamic, constructive day!
It was interesting to hear the laity being mentioned by some of the commentators.
Perhaps when thinking of “facing the future” some of the Laity may actually be included in some of these talks, I understand that this is meeting is for priests and must rightfully remain so , but now that you have come so far perhaps the next step might be to hold a conference with both clergy and laity represented rather than diluting the Agenda at the AGM…
Also, as mentioned in your meeting, it would be good to hear why younger priests are not interested in the ACP, do they see a need for it in their future..? How do they wish to communicate with the Laity in the future? We need to know the realities of church life in order to understand it and the ACP provide us with the realities of c. 1/3 of the clergy in Ireland.. This understanding if shared more could allow for more inclusiveness within the greater community..Also how do they see their future..? do they see a congregation in front of them?..how many?
Delighted the bishops have made contact, hopefully bridges can now be built that enable both sides to cross-over as needed.
As my mother would sigh towards the end of a good day… ” ah God is good”
It was good to be able to listen to extracts from the meeting and now comment.
Mark Patrick enlivened the meeting with his contribution under the title ‘Facing the future what we need to do’ which in part was confrontational “they listened with respect but responded with conviction and strength in offering a different perspective” He was given a standing ovation.
So as the meeting was recorded is there a ‘full’ transcript of his speech with responses that could be made available to us as laity, who participate on the site.
A comment made on Marks talk ‘He was expecting that we might all row in the same direction, what is it going to take to bring that about’?
From my prospective an open honest church that is one that is driven by integrity as in total transparency.
From the Summary of ACP regional meetings
“A Church Without Vision”
I wonder was this discussed at the meeting.
The contribution made by Mark Patrick (Although now a priest) points us in the direction to a more inclusive approach to tackle this challenge; as contributions are needed by other religious orders that include Brothers and ‘Sisters’ as there vistas will also enliven the hearts of the faithful.
Another comment ‘The big challenge is to open up dialogue’
I suppose the oncoming meet with the bishops is very positive in regards to this statement.
The issue of the missal with its lack of pray fullness was discussed at, ‘meeting after meeting’.
This now appears to be in the process of been corrected.
The lack of younger priests participating was noted; obviously this is a serious problem as young blood is needed. Phil Greene @ 3 points us in the direction of the challenge of understanding this matter.
Thankfully it appears that many went home energised.
kevin your brother
In Christ
Sounds like a great AGM! Congratulations to the leadership and all concerned.