The priest shortage in the United States that we so often hear about is real and worrisome. But that’s not the full story. While the numbers aren’t where they need to be, the high caliber of the men who are studying for the priesthood and being ordained today ought to be a great source of hope for the U.S. Church.
Not all those who the Lord calls to be laborers in his vineyard respond to his invitation, of course. Too often the din and distractions of our hyperactive age drown out his quiet but persistent voice. But those who do hear him and discern a vocation are being well-formed — and well-served — by our seminaries, in the main. In recent decades, these critical institutions have reformed themselves impressively to correct the myriad problems that surfaced during the turbulent period immediately following the Second Vatican Council.
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