PRIESTS FOR THE FUTURE . . . The number and age of priests now serving in this country are not encouraging. But there are signs of hope in some dioceses and religious groups. In this issue Fr. C. John McCloskey III, who works with many young people at Princeton University, writes about priestly formation and the kinds of priests the Church will need in the third millennium. He sees some good signs, expresses confidence in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and offers some concrete suggestions on how to train priests for the future (p. 6).

FIGHTING FOR THE FAITH . . . It is common knowledge and a conclusion of daily experience that the Catholic Church is in serious trouble. There is confusion about what the Church teaches and the authority structure seems to be gripped by a deadly paralysis. This month I am happy to offer you an insightful article by Msgr. George A. Kelly, who is arguably one of the best informed observers of Catholic culture today. Msgr. Kelly tells a few stories—about how various bishops in the past have dealt with heresy, schism, disobedience and just plain stupidity. There is a lesson in the article for bishops, pastors and other church leaders (p. 14).

J, E, P, AND D IN THE PENTATEUCH . . . Anyone who has taken a college course or read a book on the Old Testament has heard about the “Documentary Hypothesis,” that is, that there are four different traditions in the OT, designated by “JEPD.” This view has been promoted for over a hundred years, but there are still many scripture scholars who do not accept it. And those who do often disagree with each other. This month I am offering you an article by Mr. Jeremy Holmes which challenges the Documentary Hypothesis and rejects it. He argues from the text that it is the product of one author, not three (JEP) (p. 22).

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE CHURCH . . . Pope John Paul II has designated 1998 as a year dedicated in a special way to the Holy Spirit and his activity in the Church. This will be part of the Church’s preparation for the Jubilee Year 2000. In this issue Fr. Thomas McGovern offers us a brief summary of the theology of the Holy Spirit. He also points out that the transforming influence of the Holy Spirit is an indispensable part of the spiritual renewal that the Holy Father ardently desires and prays for. For there can be no true growth in holiness without the gifts of the Holy Spirit operative among the faithful (p. 51).—K.B.

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