The walls of Saint James have changed very little over 135 years. But inside, there have been big changes.

"Twenty-three years ago, when I got to Saint James, there were four priests. Now, I'm the only one," said Rev. Warren Metzler of Saint James parish.

And Metzler is not alone.

Across the country, a priest shortage is worrying many parishioners.

"We are concerned when our pastor -- who is close to retirement -- leaves, we won't have a priest to celebrate the eucharistic liturgy on weekly basis with us," said parish member Joyce Rothermel.

In response, the Pittsburgh Association of Priests -- a group of priests and lay people -- is proposing a controversial conversation. Bishop Donald Wuerl goes to a three-week meeting with church leaders in Rome next month.

When he's there, some local priests want him to discuss two very radical ideas.

"One, that celibacy would be an optional matter for parish priests in our Catholic Church. And consideration given for ordination of women as deacons," said Rev. Garry Dorsey of the Association of Priests.

Channel 4's Gus Rosendale asked if Metzler was concerned about backlash when people hear about changing centuries of tradition.

"Not when you hear how anxious people in our parish are about the possibility that someday they will not have a priest," answered Metzler.

"We have a lot of people in the church who disagree with what the church teaches and that's why the church exists to try to bring the truth to people and convince them of the truth," said Rev. Ronald Lengwin of the Pittsburgh diocese.

The schedule for that meeting of church leaders in Rome has already been set -- optional celibacy and female priests are not on the agenda.

However, the diocese said the bishop will "consider" the request that's been made of him Wednesday.