Catholic program seeks potential priests

February 24, 2006

JOEL DAVIDSON

Frontiersman reporter

WASILLA - Not many young men consider becoming Catholic priests these days. A combination of church scandals, fewer priests promoting religious callings and increased career opportunities have all contributed to the declining number of priests in America.

Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz is hoping to help turn this trend around through a series of events aimed at introducing young men to possible vocations as priests.

On Monday, Schwietz is scheduled to speak to half a dozen young men at Wasilla's Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The goal is to show people that the priesthood is a viable lifestyle, worthy of consideration. &#8220This is part of a national effort that we have embarked upon within the National Conference of Catholic Bishops,” Schwietz said. &#8220The challenges are many today in encouraging people to consider their calling. We have far fewer nuns and far fewer priests, so there is much less of an opportunity for young people to meet those who are serving the church.”

Increased distractions and competing interests are also a challenge to those who might otherwise become priests, Schwietz said.

&#8220There are so many more influences on young people today,” he said. &#8220There is much greater media effect on their lives now - a lot more noise in their life that makes it more difficult for them to make a choice.”

Schwietz plans to share his own journey of choosing to become a priest and then invite other priests in attendance to share their stories. Young men who attend the John Paul II Vocation Priesthood Dinner will receive personal follow-up letters later on to determine if they are interested in further conversations about the priesthood.

The event also aims to allow young men the opportunity to see they are not alone in seeking this vocation, Schwietz said.

&#8220The purpose is to get young guys together to support one another,” he said. &#8220They are usually surprised to see that there are others who are also considering priesthood.”

Schwietz served on the National Conference of Catholic Bishops Vocation Committee up until 2004, and said similar events are occurring across the country.

&#8220The committee has been trying to encourage more programs like this,” he said. &#8220A lot of bishops have taken on that now and I think some of that is a result of John Paul II reaching out to young people through World Youth Day events.”

For more information about the Monday event, people may call the Archbishop's assistant, Mary Gore, at (907) 297-7755.

Contact Joel Davidson at 352-2266 or joel.davidson@

frontiersman.com.