Reimagining priesthood in the Church of the 21st century

The priesthood is a central element of Roman Catholic faith, in which the one Priesthood of Christ grounds the priesthood of all believers through baptism and the ministerial priesthood of the order of the presbyterate. These are essential elements of the Church’s self-understanding, and yet there has been no major study of the Catholic priesthood since the Second Vatican Council. This absence enables weak, polarising and ideological understandings of priesthood and Church to flourish.

This evening will present and open a dialogue on the ongoing work of a five-year research program that addresses the core questions, challenges and theological gaps in Catholic theological understandings of priesthood. The intent is a multidimensional study of priesthood that anticipates an authentic transformation of ecclesial culture with lasting effect on the formation of priests, and the shape of Catholic communities and forms of leadership into the future.

Cocktails and finger food from 5pm.

Panellists

• Bishop Shane Mackinlay (Bishop of Sandhurst)
• Dr Rosemary Canavan (Catholic Theological College)
• Fr Rene Ramirez
• Dr Christiaan Jacobs-Vandegeer (St Vincent's Health Australia)
• Rev Dr David Pascoe (Archdiocese of Brisbane; ACU)

Facilitator

Assoc Prof Maeve Louise Heaney (ACU)