"CALLED TO SERVE AS PRIEST"
This video on the clarification of the identity of priesthood has been produced for viewing by a worldwide audience to expose to people once again the tremendous gift we have in our priests. In this production it shall be revealed before your very eyes the hidden treasures and beauty of the priesthood, for all to see.
With a multinational cast of eminent Church representatives, religious and lay people, all who feature in "Called to Serve as Priest" speak from the heart of their faith in Jesus Christ, the mystery of the Eucharist and the unique and awesome gift of the priesthood of Jesus Christ.
Press Review:A new video to educate people about the meaning of the priesthood was launched earlier this year by an International advertising agency. Called to Serve as Priest steers clear of the 'softly-softly' approach and deals with the realities of the Priesthood in a modern context, writes Simon Rowe.
Just as the film All the President's Men is obligatory viewing for any aspiring journalist, a new video entitled Called to Serve as Priest should be top of the list for budding seminarians. The video aims to educate people about the meaning of the priesthood and is produced by Quantum Advertising which specialises in Church communications. However, it would be a shame if it were only seminarians and religious who got to see this video as it has a lot to offer and could easily be used by catechetical groups, secondary schools and parish organisations.
In the current climate, when the word 'priest' has almost become a bad word, this video emphasises the essential dignity and tremendous gift of the priesthood. Called To Serve As Priest is clear and concise (running at approximately 20 minutes) and, while the opening few minutes have a definite 'American feel', the video quickly assumes an international flavour. It features priests, theologians and lay people from all over the world who speak candidly about their faith in Jesus Christ, the gift of the priesthood and the mystery of the Eucharist. Indeed, there are many insiightful comments from some of the world's leading Church figures including Ireland's Bishop Donal Murray and Sr Briege McKenna.
The idea for the video was conceived by Marion Mulhall, chairperson of Quantum Advertising. She is a lay Carmelite who through her work and travels became aware of the ignorance and lack of respect, awareness and understanding of the priesthood. As a matter of urgency she felt compelled to produce a video which would create a worldwide clarification of the priesthood.
Called To Serve As Priest examines the role of the priest in today's society and forcibly illustrates how this vocation is distinct from, yet complimentary to, the vocation of the laity. It is a compelling production which gets to the heart of what it means to be a priest in the 3rd Millenium, stressing the centrality of the Mass and the Eucharist in their ministry.
The video steers clear of the 'softly-softly' approach which you might expect and features priests talking about what it really means to 'be chosen by God to preach the Good News.' Moreover, these 'men in black' come across as self-assured and firm in their vocation, and from the evidence of this video, the future of the Church is in very safe hands. But as one English priest points out: "I think the times ahead for priests are looking good as long as we don't lose our nerve."
Indeed it is crucial that priests don't lose heart at this period in the history of the Church. As one US bishop remarks: "Priesthood is a lifelong commitment in a world where there is a growing problem with commitment, and where marriages are breaking up, so it's important that there's an example of God's faithfulness to his people."
The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Desmond Connell described the video as a "timely initiative" at its launch in October. "Perhaps for the first time in our history, sufficient numbers of young men are not coming forward to answer the needs of the Church," he said.
"There are many factors contributing to this problem: smaller families, the weakening of the family support for one who seeks to test a vocation, the impact of scandal, the fear of permanent commitment to the celibate life, the abandonment of their ministry by some priests, the concentration on career opportunities and the aggressive worldliness fostered by so many influences on us. But the root cause of our difficulties must be traced to the loss or the weakening of faith."
Dr Connell also spoke of the "blurring of the distinction between the lay and priestly vocations" and the "growing secularisation which has made priests uncomfortable in a world that no longer understands or respects them."
"It's not surprising that priests begin to conceal their presence in society when they feel that being recognised for what they are is liable to provoke resentment and even hostility, or feel that their best chance of exercising their influence is to appear hardly different from those around them," he said. "In the past, priests concealed their identity through fear of persecution; today they may do so for fear of attracting a different form of hostility."
This video is well-produced, comprehensive and has universal relevance for priests and people alike. Simply put, it should be in the hands of bishops, vocation directors, schools and colleges and catechetical groups across the country. And while it might look nice sitting on the bookshelf, this video has been made to be watched!
Comments
"Makes you really think on the true meaning of being a priest. Presents a most challenging insight to modern day priesthood."
Very Rev John Murray, PP
"I have seen this video and personally feel it is most important both in terms of the quality of production and content of the message. The theme is the clarification of the identity of the priesthood and its supreme importance for the Church and for the world, and the challenge and excitement of the call to priesthood at this time."
His Eminence Cahal B. Cardinal Daly
"A beautiful and engaging witness to Catholic priesthood."
Father Benedict J. Groeschel C.F.R.
" 'Called to Serve as Priest' elicited a lively discussion and was the catalyst for a very successful Integration Unit. It was especially beneficial for seminarians from the United States to see the video's presentation of priests serving in many different local churches throughout the world. It was also very fruitful for them to recognize the wide range of theologies of priesthood and Church exhibited in the video."
Mr. Terrance Callan
Dean of the Athenaeum of Ohio
