The Priest Shortage

What is a Priest Shortage? 

The Priest Shortage is where the number of priests in the world has reduced. It causes that some parishes have no resident priest, pastor and, in some church, or parish has only a minimal number of priests. 

When did the Priest Shortage starts? 

According to studies, the shortage of priest started from 1980 until now. Unlike the previous centuries, many men, including the young men want to become a priest. 

What are the causes of Priest Shortage? 

According to the study of Dean R. Hoge, who conduct a survey in a Catholic College Students in 1985, the reason why most men don’t enter priesthood is because of “Celibacy”. Celibacy is where Priest doesn’t get married. While Pope Benedict XVI contradicts this reason, instead the reason is the small family size. Another reason is the sexual abuse scandal that some Catholic Priests are involved. It says that it tarnished the reputation of the Catholic Priesthood. 

But the Main reason for Priest Shortage is the effect of the Second Vatican Council. 

Why Vatican II? 

One of the fruits of Vatican II is the reduction of Cathecism in the world, where the Church no longer teaches the basic and important teachings about God and the Catholic Faith. Another reason is the role of the Altar Server was given to the Lay Ministers (Men who are not Priest or not part of Holy Orders, and women or girls who serve in the mass). Altar servers, including young men are responsible in assisting the priest during the Holy Mass while learning the importance of it and the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Because of these, young men are not attracted to enter priesthood.