[donf]

The wavier, at least as I understand it, is strictly for priests that are already married.

I do not believe that an Anglican Priest can convert to Catholicism and accept Ordination, which includes the vow of Celibacy, and then marry.

As to whether I think married priests is a good option, I have to confess that on paper it sounds good but in practice I do not think it would work well.

[Athos]

Yes, on a case-by-case basis - my understanding is that it's pretty rare. Now there could be a whole "flock" of married priests coming in all at once.

Of course on a case-by-case basis - what other case could there be?

[ebaines]

What I mean is that it iseeems to be moving from a policy that occasionally allowed exceptions under certain circumstance to one where the exception is codified.

[dwashbur]

As to whether or not I think married priests is a good option, I have to confess that on paper it sounds good but in practice I do not think it would work well.

Why?

[donf]

This is my opinion, certainly not Canon Law or a Theological position.

I know the demands placed on a marital relationship (45 yrs. Exper.). Adding to that the demands on a Parrish Priest I honestly believe that it would be more than most marriages could tolerate.

Just the rigors of the day to day demands on a Parrish Priest are enough to strangle (as in hold fast) any one person.

As far as the "Ordered" Priests, such as Jesuits, Dominicans and Benedictines (Mainly teaching orders), time is never their own.

Add to that Divorce, some marriages will fail that's just inescapable. But the RCC does not recognize Divorce as a remedy.

Of course, there is Annulment but that really bears no relationship to Divorce. Divorce dissolves a relationship.

Annulment says there was something so wrong at the time of the exchange of vows as to render the Sacrament of Marriage invalid.

Personally, I would rather see women Ordained then married Priests.

Anyway, you did ask me why.

[dwashbur]

This is my personal opinion, certainly not Canon Law or a Theological position.

I know the demands placed on a marital relationship (45 yrs. exper.). Adding to that the demands on a Parrish Priest I honestly believe that it would be more than most marriages could tolerate.

Just the rigors of the day to day demands on a Parrish Priest are enough to strangle (as in hold fast) any one person.

As far as the "Ordered" Priests, such as Jesuits, Dominicans and Benedictines (Mainly teaching orders), time is never their own.

Add to that Divorce, some marriages will fail that's just inescapable. But the RCC does not recognize Divorce as a remedy.

Of course, there is Annulment but that really bears no relationship to Divorce. Divorce dissolves a relationship.

Annulment says there was something so wrong at the time of the exchange of vows as to render the Sacrament of Marriage invalid.

Personally, I would rather see women Ordained then married Priests.

Anyway, you did ask me why.

Indeed I did, and I thank you for the thoughtful answer. I understand what you're saying; at the same time, most Protestant ministers do all those things and manage to stay married all the time. My own view, unsolicited, free and well worth it, is that it just depends on the individual. As Paul said, some can handle it, some can't, but each should be convinced in his own mind.

And I do support ordaining women. But that's another issue :eek:

And I only have 30 years' experience dealing with marital life myself...

[donf]

I have very little information on the organization and structure of the various Protestant Faiths.

It seems to me that there are not as rigidly bound as the RCC. Protestants are more likely to use lay ministers for some tasks, however, there are a multitude of tasks that cannot be assigned to anyone but a Priest.

I will give you that the RCC is leaning towards a more active laity and a more involved laity, but I don't ever see that as a relief for the burden put on Priests.

Just curious, but have you ever been in a situation where you were on 24 hour call and expected to carry a full workday load as well.

I spent 13 years as a Sr. Customer Engineer within IBM's Office Product division. 10 of those years had me on 24 hour call for photo copiers and communication systems. It wears a body down. You really hate the sound of the phone in the night.

Make plans for a peaceful weekend at the beach and end up in Union Camp, VA. 3 hr. drive one way from VA. Beach, VA and spend 9 hours on the job and then return home to the not so happy lady of your life.

You know, in retrospect, some of it was fun.

I remember one trip sent me to San Francisco to work on a printer datastream failure. The fellow I was supposed to work with had refused to work over the weekend but I was already in the air when that was learned. So I get to San Francisco (Friday night) and I'm told, no work to Tuesday.

Fortunately, our local airport was running companion fare and I was able to purchase a round trip first class seat for my Lady for the whopping amount of $6.00. IBM already had to purchase my ticket as first class because that was the only fare available at such late date.

So there we are in San Francisco, 1 block away from Fisherman's Wharf and being told we were on our own until Tuesday. I just had to keep up with my e-mail traffic through the weekend.

Isn't God great!

[dwashbur]

I have very little information on the organization and structure of the various Protestant Faiths.

It seems to me that there are not as rigidly bound as the RCC. Protestants are more likely to use lay ministers for some tasks, however, there are a multitude of tasks that cannot be assigned to anyone but a Priest.

Not really. Some have tried, but few are successful. If you're ordained, you've signed on to do just about everything from leading services to trimming the hedges. Some denominations may be using more lay ministers, but the vast majority of so-called "free" (which means "non-liturgical") churches put everything on the pastor, and yes, he's expected to be on call 24/7. I know of at least two whose churches literally worked them to death.

It can be done; however, being a minister's wife is probably as much a life calling as being a minister, and requires just about as much sacrifice.

[Kitkat22]

When we get to heaven.. there will be all denominations there... The Blood of Jesus Christ has to be accepted and we have to come through the blood of the Saviour in order to be saved. In heaven it is peace and joy, no more denominations. Won't it be wonderful... Blessings

[Athos]

What I mean is that it iseeems to be moving from a policy that occasionally allowed exceptions under certain circumstance to one where the exception is codified.

This is not something that could ever be "codified" - at least not to any significant degree. Married Anglican priests, if and when they arrive (I suspect your "flock" all arriving at once is an overstatement), will go through the same process they always have.