Probably the single greatest need of the church in the next 25 years is for more priests. I am not pessimistic on this score. Vocations have always been somewhat scarce. The priesthood is a great life and not a refuge for those who cannot make it in the wider world. It holds many consolations, attracts great support from many people, and provides many opportunities for service and leadership in faith.

We need to pray for priests, successors to Peter and Andrew, James and John, and we should not forget that God calls all Christians to cooperate in his personal plan for them, which respects our freedom to say yes, no or maybe. Human response is the major reason why God writes straight in crooked lines. He respects our freedom.

We know the Holy Spirit will continue to flow where He wills, but one constant in all Catholic history is the need for priests, for vocations to the ministerial priesthood. Our Lord himself appointed the twelve, called forth the shepherds, the fishers of men. St Paul underlined the importance of ambassadors for Christ. Without priests our parishes will wither and die.

The call of Christ to young men to be priests is a call to a great adventure. I hope this website will support and assist you in thinking of the priesthood or a vocation to the religious life.

+ George Pell
Archbishop of Sydney

Cardinal Pell’s Good Shepherd Sunday Homily 2004