UNTIL THEY RETURN

In Australia the number of men entering the priesthood has declined substantially over the past twenty or thirty years. Our Blessed Lord has assured us that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church. He called Saint Peter 'the rock' and made him the first pope. Jesus said He was the good shepherd and on returning to heaven left Saint Peter in charge of his flock. He told his twelve apostles, the first catholic priests, to go out to all nations and spread the good news of the gospels. He said He would send the holy spirit to strengthen them and that He would be with them till the end of time.

All the catholic priest that I have spoken to have told me that they did not chose to become a priest. They said that Jesus had called them. They said that Jesus in some way had let them know that this was the vocation they must follow.

I pray that many young men will answer the calling.

I'LL BE LONESOME UNTIL THEY RETURN

by

J. A. Fullerton

Upon a rock I built my church

I decided on Peter after quite a long search

The rock is still solid and will last for all time

But I need more disciples to change the bread and the wine

Into my body and blood so My flock can be fed

And along the right path they all can be led

For all my disciples My heart does still burn

And I'll be sad and lonesome until the numbers return.