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The past three decades have witnessed a decline in the number of Roman Catholic priests in Europe and North America, the result of resignations from the priesthood and of fewer people entering seminaries. A major cause contributing to this situation has been the ambiguity surrounding the role and identity of the priest in light of new theological paradigms. This book attempts to restore clarity to that matter by drawing primarily, although not exclusively, on the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, postconciliar theology and the pronouncements of Pope John Paul II. The first chapter probes the relationship of the priest to Christ and the church. This is the basic theme of the book, since the manner in which the relationship is perceived colors all aspects of priestly life. The following three chapters examine the three forms of ministry the priest renders to the community: the ministry of the word, of worship and of pastoral care. The book ends with a consideration of the most fundamental role of the priest: a disciple of Jesus. So the book comes full circle, returning to the primary relationship of the priest to Christ and to the church as a community of disciples.
