While the shortage of priests has led to church closings in the area, the real tragedy is that if present church policies continue, the lack of churches, priests and deacons will only become worse in the future.

The priests' hands are tied regarding this matter, the laity are not listened to.

We, the Catholic laity, need to come together and get involved. We need to strongly encourage our bishops and cardinals to initiate an immediate dialogue with Rome to enact realistic policies that would ease the shortage of priests.

Here are some ideas for potential changes:

€ Allowing deacons to do more in the church, as well as make it easier to become a deacon.

The first steps could be to eliminate the policies requiring the spouse to attend all of the training classes, and of the deacon remaining celibate if his spouse dies.

€ Allowing the laity the administrative responsibility of running the parishes, thereby releasing the priests to fulfill their pastoral roles by saying Mass, administering the Sacraments and being the parishioners' spiritual leader.

€ Allowing priests to marry. Or, at least having a two-tiered priesthood, one level being celibate and another level married.

(Historically, celibacy was not always a requirement.)

€ Allowing laicized priests to celebrate the sacraments.

(Married priests from other denominations that convert to Catholism are allowed to say Mass and administer the sacraments.)

€ To be open to new ideas, as well as willing to break with some traditions.

Please remember, we, the laity are the church.

We can either sit back and watch with apathy as our churches close and our priests retire, or we can work together to bring about change that will help to make it stronger and all encompassing.

If anyone would like to discuss/come together to help initiate change, I can be contacted at priestshortage@gmail.com.

Judith M. Piedmonte

Baldwinsville