Bishop Ricken approves new association for diocesan priests

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, GB

The goal of the new association is to dispel the "euthanasia mentality" in modern society, which has led to a devaluation of the lives of those who are sick and/or aged.

Association members also make simple promises beyond those of their ordinations. These include:

• praying the Divine Office each day;
• receiving regular spiritual direction;
• receiving the sacrament of reconciliation regularly;
• preparing homilies using scriptural meditation, such as the lectio divina;
• offering a daily eucharistic holy hour of prayer;
• recitation of the mysteries of the rosary daily;
• and an annual retreat with the other members of the association.

Association members will also wear a Marian scapular and consecrate themselves to Mary.

The association is open to any priest with the approval of Bishop Ricken.

details at The Compass

I know, I know, you are thinking that priests should be doing all these thing anyway, but these priestly associations are a fantastic idea.  Getting good priest in one spot growing together can only lead to good things.

Update: also a recent article by Bp. Ricken on the priesthood shortage.