Who Do We Think We Are?: How Catholic Priests Understand Themselves Today

This empirical study explores how the sampled priests understand their priesthood. Chris A. Fallon reviews Liverpool's history of expansion and decline, which has left fewer and older priests serving fewer active Catholics and an undiminished number who still require baptisms, first communions, marriages and funerals. It contrasts the models of priesthood found in Liverpool with American studies of the cultic and servant leader models of priesthood, taking into account the theological viewpoints and personality profiles of the individuals who took part.

Chris A. Fallon studied Theology and Pastoral Ministry in Durham and Denver before serving as a Catholic Priest in the Archdiocese of Liverpool, UK.

Table of Contents
Table of Figures
Abbreviations

Introduction

1. The historical context for this study: a story of survival, revival, expansion and decline
2. The evolution and methodology of this project
3. Five theories emerging from the qualitative data: interviews, diaries, focus groups and case study
4. Confirmatory data from the survey
5. Conclusions and recommendations

6. Summary and discussion of the evidence
7. Concerns about workload
8. Concerns about change in society and the Church's response
9. Concerns about the experience of the presbyterate in the Archdiocese of Liverpool
10. Recommendations
11. Recommendations relating to workload
12. Recommendations relating to change in society and the Church's response
13. Recommendations relating to the experience of the presbyterate in this diocese
14. Progress towards implementing some of the recommendations
15. Avenues for further research

Appendix 1: Research Grant Application
Appendix 2: Leaving Safe Harbours DVD Script
Appendix 3: Leaving Safe Harbours Implementation Process
Appendix 4: Archbishop Kelly's address to Permanent Deacons
Appendix 5: Participant Information Sheet and Consent Form
Appendix 6: Survey sent to all participants in the study
Bibliography