CNN explores the priesthood: a review

Set your TiVo to catch a documentary tonight on the priesthood, with Lisa Ling. The trailer:

Patti Murphy Dohn of The Catholic Review in Baltimore got a preview:

This program presents the increase in vocations to the priesthood and seminary enrollment in the Diocese of Lansing, highlighting the daily life, ministry, and family of several men.

These scenes were very well done. I’m sure they will be informative to those who tune in on Sunday, especially interested non-Catholics.

But I mentioned at the beginning that something didn’t sit well with me….

My main concern about this program is the recurring theme that questions why a man would choose priesthood when there is the “stigma” caused by the priest abuse scandal. I suppose the investigative nature of the series chose this slant in order to increase public interest. They are in the rating business, yes?

Some of the following lines were used by Lisa Ling in reference to the seminary and priesthood while interviewing the men featured in “Called to the Collar:”

“….considering an occupation plagued by controversy.”

“To find out who in the face of church scandal would choose the priesthood…”

“Much of the world now views the clergy with skepticism…”

“Large percentage that say priests are synonymous with abusers…”

Personally, I detest the unending negativity of the secular media surrounding the men who serve in the priesthood and who have been victimized by this negative perceptive over the past decade. The abuse scandal, as horrific and evil as it is, was perpetrated and covered up by a tiny percentage of Catholic clergy. The rest of the clergy and our seminarians continue to suffer from this horrible image portrayed by those who wish to bring the Church down. It appalls me. Lest we forget, other communities too have suffered similar crises. Reprehensible as this abuse has been, we must defend and support our priests, most of whom are good and holy servants of God and His Church.

A different slant?

After working with youth for almost forty years in parish religious education programs and as Campus Minister at John Carroll, I would have been more interested in exploring the deep faith and high vocations rate of this community in light of a contemporary culture that is largely unchurched, where many families who claim to be “Catholic” don’t attend Mass except for “CEO” –Christmas, Easter, and other occasions such as funerals. That particular focus is worthy of an investigation and would share the joy of religious vocations and priesthood with others who might be inspired to return actively to their faith.

But I guess that slant wouldn’t boost ratings…..

She has much more detail. Read it all.