Priesthood Sunday observance set for Oct. 31 this year

Published: 2004-08-02

CHICAGO (CNS) -- Priesthood Sunday, a celebration of the American priesthood set for Oct. 31 this year, will be marked in Catholic parishes throughout the United States with prayer, dialogue and social events. The day is sponsored by a wide variety of Catholic organizations, including the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging. Father Robert J. Silva, president of the Chicago-based National Federation of Priests' Councils, said the purpose of the day "is to engage every level of the church in the United States in a national conversation about the priesthood." Priesthood Sunday was first observed in October 2003 as a reaction to the shadows cast over all priests by the sex abuse crisis. Father Silva said about 10 percent of U.S. parishes took part in the event last year, and he predicted that as many as 25 percent would be involved this year.

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