ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, April 19, 1997 TAG: 9704210103
SECTION: RELIGION PAGE: B9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JARONDA LITTLE KNIGHT-RIDDER/TRIBUNE
The Roman Catholic Church in the U.S. is all too familiar with the problem.
With the priest shortage critical, the church is scrambling to find ways to staff their parishes and convince young men to commit to a life of celibacy.
The Episcopal Church, which allows women priests and married clergy, seemed immune to the problem. But it, too, projects a shortage among its flock in the next 10 years.
The reason: Many priests choose the clergy as a second career, so the average age is rising and pushing up the rate of retirement.
Consequently, the Episcopal Church has launched a program to attract young men and women fresh out of college who might be interesting in making their faith their careers.
``We want to identify and encourage bright and talented young people finishing college to make a discernment in vocations to the priesthood and enter seminary after college,'' said the Rev. Lori Lowe, coordinator of the program for the Atlanta Diocese.
``We're looking for people who love the church, have a sense of ministry and are seriously interested in exploring their faith.''
The approach is an about face. For years, young people were encouraged to attain life experiences and mature before deciding to enter the ministry.
Discerning Young Vocations Experience is specifically designed for rising juniors and seniors. Students will have an opportunity to meet monthly over the next year to explore the possibility of entering the priesthood.
Some 20 young people have expressed interest in the program, which begins this month.
Stewart Lucas, a 20-year-old University of Georgia student studying horticulture, says he has considered ministry as a career for three years.
``I feel like I could offer something to younger people,'' Lucas said.
But it's hard to think about making that step alone, he said.
``The DYVE program will put us all together,'' he said. ``And that helps you through your struggle.''
Lowe said the discernment process will give young people time to think about vocations and whether ministry is the right career for them.
``What we're trying to say to young people is that this is a wonderful life, full of challenges, wonder, passion and great satisfaction,'' said Lowe, who entered seminary at 32, with three children and after a career as a high school English teacher.
The excitement and challenge come in helping people through life's major moments - birth and death, marriage and baptism, she said.
``In spite of pain, to see God working in people's lives is very satisfying,'' she said.
Ron Greiser, a priest at Trinity Episcopal Church in Columbus, Ga., said he enjoys helping people discover their faith.
``The most rewarding part is watching God transform people's lives and pointing out to others when and where he is doing it,'' he said.
Ordained four years ago, Greiser entered seminary after a five-year career as a high school biology teacher.
``I knew deep down in my heart that God wanted me to be a minister,'' Greiser said.
But Greiser said he needed time to accept his ``calling'' after watching the challenges his father encountered as an Episcopal priest for 20 years.
``I knew it was a difficult place to be, but this is the only thing that makes sense in my life,'' he said.
While older seminary candidates are asked to provide answers, young candidates are expected to be flexible and willing to look at issues.
``We're looking for young adults who are open and not rigid and have a gift for parish ministry,'' said Lowe, rector of St. Mark Episcopal Church in LaGrange, Ga. ``It requires gifted, energetic and passionate people.''
A similar pilot program for young adults netted results nearly five years ago. Three of eight people involved in the program went to seminary and are in the process of becoming ordained.
``When a person is younger, formation seems a little easier,'' Roper said.
Roper attributes the program success to the church taking an active role in recruiting young people.
``The fact is we've been reactive rather than proactive,'' says the Rev. Charles M. Roper, canon for vocational discernment for the Episcopal Diocese in Atlanta. ``But this is a proactive approach that we're now taking.''
Parishes and campus ministers have been asked to help by stepping up their recruitment efforts.
Said Lowe, ``We're not as much looking for piety as we are for people who have expressed an interest in social justice, civil rights and an interest in scripture, liturgy and a life of service.''
LENGTH: Medium: 86 linesby CNB