"The priesthood is better than that"

Cincinnati's Channel 9 News aired a story last night about the uptick in interest for the priesthood. It is very well done -- like a local "Fishers of Men" -- and deserves wide circulation. You can watch the video here and read the transcript here.

Reverend Kyle Schnippel hears similar stories as the head recruiter for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati's Vocations Office.

"We've had a number of guys that have come through the RCIA process, who have converted and become Catholic from other faith traditions," said Schnippel.

Father Schnippel said the church sex scandal from a few years ago is not hurting recruitment efforts.

"Most of the guys coming in say we know that the priesthood is better than that. And they want to live to that ideal," said Schnippel.

Schnippel reaches out to students at Catholic schools including Elder High School.

Schnippel tells them about the various careers one can choose within the church.

"His sermons and times I've heard him talk have made me think about whether I want to join the priesthood or what I want to do for the rest of my life," said Elder senior, Kyle Smith.

Chad Ratterman, also a senior at Elder, said the talks have been helpful as he plans his future.

"Just being able to hear him talk about vocations has really led me to start to think about what I want to do with my life and what my vocation will probably be," said Ratterman.

Fr. Schnippel includes two entries (here and here) on his site about the story, and Jeff Miller discusses it here.