SURVEY OF PRIESTS IN THE PHILADELPHIA REGION
This survey is being mailed to priests in the Philadelphia region. If you know of other priests who, through oversight, may not have received a survey, please give them a copy. Responses, processed by TLG Research Associates of New Britain, will be kept anonymous. Results will be published on the cta-usa.org and futurechurch.org web-sites.
ABOUT YOU
1. How old are you? 40 or younger 41 to 60 61 or older (Circle one)
2. Are you a member of a Religious Order or Congregation? Yes No (Circle one)
3. Where did you study theology in preparation for the priesthood? St. Charles Borromeo Seminary Other Seminary or University (Circle one)
YOUR THOUGHTS REGARDING ORDAINED MINISTRY
4. Do you favor open discussion of the mandatory celibacy rule for Diocesan priests? Yes No Not Sure (Circle one)
5. Do you think that the People of God would be better served if the discipline of mandatory priestly celibacy, currently in force within the Roman Rite, were discarded? Yes No Not Sure (Circle one)
6. Do you think that the People of God would be better served if women were ordained? Yes No Not Sure (Circle one)
7. Do you believe that the Church does not have authority to ordain women? Yes No Not Sure (Circle one)
YOUR THOUGHTS REGARDING ISSUES OF PASTORAL PRACTICE
8. Recent changes in the directives for celebrating the Eucharist have emphasized the separation between ordained ministers and non-ordained faithful. Do you think that these changes have been pastorally helpful in understanding the meaning of the Eucharist? Yes No Not Sure (Circle one)
9. Do you think that divorced-and-remarried Catholics should be encouraged to participate in the life of the Church, but not receive the Eucharist?
Yes No Not Sure (Circle one)
10. Do you think that divorced-and-remarried Catholics should be encouraged prayerfully to follow their conscience regarding participation in the sacramental life of the Church? Yes No Not Sure (Circle one)
11. Do you think that married couples should be instructed on the clear teaching of Humanae Vitae that they are permitted the use of only natural means of family planning? Yes No Not Sure (Circle one)
12. Do you think that married couples should be encouraged prayerfully to follow their conscience in choosing a method of family planning most appropriate to their individual needs? Yes No Not Sure (Circle one)
13. Do you think that gay and lesbian Catholics should be instructed on official Church teaching regarding the sinfulness of homosexual activity?
Yes No Not Sure (Circle one)
14. Do you think that gay and lesbian Catholics should be encouraged prayerfully to follow their conscience regarding participation in the sacramental life of the Church? Yes No Not Sure (Circle one)
ONE LAST QUESTION
15. The previous questions limited you to “Yes, No, Not Sure” answers. Please feel free to share what you think more fully. The only constraint is to limit comments to 100 words or less.
Do you have other comments or opinions that you wish to add? (Use the reverse side.)
Mail completed surveys to TLG Research Associates, P.O.B. 5009 New Britain, PA 18901;
or FAX to 215-348-9831