Clergy "crisis" deepens

Vatican Cardinal Pio Laghi recently admitted that the shortage of clergy in Western Europe is a "crisis." Cardinal Bernard Law announced the closing of up to 60 parishes in the Boston archdiocese over the next 10 years. But ultraconservative Catholics don't want to hear about it. When Sr. Chris Schenk discussed the Future of Priestly Ministry project for CTA Arizona March 29 at St. Odilia's parish, Tucson, traditionalist protesters threatened to disrupt. The diocese stood firm and the program proceeded, with pastor, Fr. Brent Bardon, lamenting the fact that Tucson needs at least three new parishes, but no priests are available. A similar program the same weekend in Phoenix highlighted diocesan projections that by 2004 the Catholic population will grow 39 percent, but the number of priests only 1.7 percent.

The Future of Priestly Ministry Dialogue is a joint project of CTA and FutureChurch. Order your organizing packet: euch2005@futurechurch.org or FutureChurch, 15800 Montrose Ave., Cleveland OH 44111

Magdalen, Apostle to the Apostles

Recent biblical scholarship affirms that Mary of Magdala was neither a prostitute nor a public sinner, but the "Apostle to the Apostles" who first witnessed the empty tomb and proclaimed the Resurrection. Later Christian writings give evidence that nascent churches grew up around her leadership. Portrayals of her as a prostitute may have been attempts to discredit female leadership in the churches of the third and fourth centuries. To reverse that injustice, Cleveland-based FutureChurch on July 22 will hold its first annual observance of the feast of Mary Magdalen, with a prayerful celebration and a lecture on the latest historical studies. To sponsor a similar presentation in your local church, contact FutureChurch: 216 228-0869 or euch2005@futurechurch.org

Tissa thanks CTA

Sri Lankan theologian, Fr. Tissa Balasuriya, excommunicated in early 1997 but reconciled with the Vatican one year later, sent CTA and other groups a thank you letter for our support, and a four page "interim reflection." He emphasized that "there is no error proved, no confession of error by me nor any punishment in this reconciliation," and it "did not include an acceptance of the view that the Church can never ordain women to the priesthood." He said "the whole experience has affirmed and helped advance the role of public opinion in the Church both for the evolution of theology and for the promotion of human rights in the Church."
Balasuriya will return to the U.S. to speak again at the CTA National Conference Oct. 30 - Nov. 1 in Milwaukee.

CTA goes to Sri Lanka

Don Wedd of the CTA staff traveled to Sri Lanka April 19-27 to participate in an intensive workshop convened by theologian Tissa Balasuriya. Over 20 theologians and social scientists from Asia, Africa and Europe were to reflect for the first five days on colonization, globalization and Christianity, then shift gears for the final days to network about human rights in the church. Organized by Balasuriya's Centre for Society and Religion in Colombo, the meeting is also sponsored by the Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians, and by the Hong Kong-based Asian Human Rights Commission. The meeting also marks the 500th anniversary of the voyage of Vasco da Gama to Asia in 1498, which opened the door to European colonization of the region. Conferees will come from India, Indonesia, Hong Kong and the Philippines; also from Zimbabwe, Tanzania, South Africa and Ivory Coast. Others are expected from Italy, Belgium and Germany.

Gay-friendly parishes

New Ways Ministry is compiling a national list, by state and city, of "gay-friendly" Catholic parishes and faith communities. If you are aware of such a parish, known as welcoming lesbian and gay Catholics to membership or participation, because of pastoral outreach or simply because staff and parishioners are open, please contact NWM at 301 277-5674. newways@juno.com

Next Generation Summer Weekend

Gray hair may abound at CTA conferences, but younger people are already shouldering responsibilities in local chapters. For the first time, CTA is bringing these younger leaders together to enjoy each other's support, and develop new modes of leadership more attuned to their generation. July 24-26 in Chicago, young leaders aged 22-42 will meet to share faith journeys, and to explore skills and solidarity for their lives and CTA's future. They'll work both in and across age groups, and brainstorm how CTA can reach out to younger people. CTA's extensive network of local chapters and affiliates will identify and sponsor leaders and potential leaders from their own areas. If you are interested but don't have contact with your local chapter, get in touch with Don Wedd at CTA.

Popular on the Web

CTA's Home Page on the Internet was visited by 16,000 people in the last 12 months. Best news of all: 25 percent were from educational institutions -- which suggests lots of young people are checking out CTA as they do their research.

Airfares to Milwaukee

Fly Midwest Express Airlines to the CTA Conference and enjoy a 6% discount off any published fare. Call Midwest at 888 452-2022 and mention the code C495.