Your Thoughts On The Parish System

[Apotheoun]

Not sure how that could work in modern sociology, but I think the ecclesial movements are essentially a step in that direction. For me the important thing is not so much size but maturity and responsibility within the context of community. I don't think Christian community should revolve around the priest...but he serves a central role, because it is around the altar where the community becomes one.

In Eastern Christianity the priest (and his wife) does have a central role in the community. To have a community without a priest would be like having a fatherless family.

Edited August 27, 2013 by Apotheoun

[Socrates]

My main suggestion for making parishes better would be to make them a lot smaller. in fact, they should be small enough that a priest can actually know his parishoners, and in the process really become their spiritual father.

 

 

 

(To state the obvious) Making parishes smaller will require having more priests.

 

 

In addition - at least based upon my experience over the past 25 years - priests need to be given a better grounding in theology, scripture, liturgy, and in regulating (or even having) a personal prayer life.

 

 

Agreed.  The problems facing much of the Church today are spiritual at their root, rather than simply organizational or financial.

Edited August 27, 2013 by Socrates