Most diocesan Catholic priests believe celibacy should not be compulsory for priests, according to a new survey.
In the survey published in today's Irish Catholic newspaper, a total of 2,832 diocesan priests in Ireland's 26 Catholic dioceses were invited to answer an anonymous questionnaire prepared by the newspaper and Wilton Research. Just over 1,300 priests responded, of whom 59 per cent were over 55.
On celibacy, 57 per cent felt it should not be compulsory and 40 per cent believed it should stay, while 60 per cent believed its removal would not increase priest numbers.
The survey found most priests believe the Church has not changed enough, and most disapprove of eulogies by the laity.
Large majorities believe the role of women in the Church is not sufficiently recognised and that the taking of Communion is a matter for individual conscience. Most are troubled by media coverage of clerical scandals, while a quarter feel priests should be involved in school management.
Half believe in fewer Sunday Masses as a response to fewer priests.
On change in the Church, 58 per cent felt there had not been enough, while 31 per cent thought what change had happened was about right. A permanent diaconate in Ireland - whereby laymen could assume all tasks of a priest, except celebrating the Eucharist and hearing confession - would be welcomed by 78 per cent, with 87 per cent approving marriage for deacons.
On the role of women in the Church, 74 per cent did not believe it was sufficiently recognised, while 72 per cent believed priests should not have school management responsibilities.
Seventy per cent were troubled by media coverage of clerical scandals, though what this means is not explored. Eighty-nine per cent believed the sacramental aspect of a marriage was overshadowed by the social elements, while 74 per cent disapproved of eulogies by lay people.
Forty-two per cent said that over 50 people attended daily Mass in their parishes, while 79 per cent heard less than 20 confessions a week. Just over half feel €10 is an adequate Mass card offering, with 20 per cent favouring €15 and 20 per cent favouring €20.
Asked whether it was hypocritical for a person to receive Communion whose lifestyle and public views were contrary to Church teaching, 85 per cent believed this was a matter for the person concerned. Just seven per cent said they would refuse Communion to such an individual.
There are 2,949 active diocesan priests in Ireland, with a further 575 retired, sick, on study leave or working elsewhere.