Conference on anointing of sick will confront shortage of priests

It’s another sign that the official Church is beginning to face up to the critical shortage of priests. The National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) will host an international symposium May 16-20 in Baltimore on “Anointing of the Sick: Theological and Pastoral Implications for the New Millennium.” The brochure states pointedly: “Bishop respondents from around the country will join us in honest dialogue about the problem inherent in the lack of availability of priests for our sick to receive this Sacrament in their time of need.”

NACC is official body that certifies chaplains for hospitals and nursing homes in the U.S. The vast majority are non-priests. Some are permanent deacons, but over 80 percent are women, lay and religious. Yet when the patients they serve seek the anointing of the sick and the forgiveness of sin, chaplains must find a priest. One is rarely available.

Theologians from the U.S. and Europe will speak at the Baltimore event. They will examine church history and especially the development of doctrine regarding the sacraments. Anointing and forgiveness rites have evolved. Can they evolve further?

For more about the symposium, contact NACC at 414 483-4898 or nacc@nacc.org or visit them on the Web: NACC.org