Becoming a married Maronite priest in Australia

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AussieCatholic94

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Hi all,

I am new to the forums and would like to ask some questions regarding becoming a married Eastern Catholic priest. I am not sure if these questions will be able to be easily answered on here, but I thought I would try my luck. In particular, I am interested in the process for becoming a married priest in the Maronite Catholic Rite within Australia.

A few questions I have regarding this:
  • Do you have to be a certain age to be a married Eastern Catholic priest? So for example, will you be asked to wait until you have children?
  • How do you go about studying in the seminary, whilst fulfilling the role of a husband and father? Do you have to reside in the seminary?
  • If you don’t need to reside in the seminary, are you able to work a full time job to support your family whilst studying in the seminary? (Are the hours flexible)
  • Will you be able to continue to work full time to support your family? Or will you receive a salary from the Church?
  • Will having a degree/diploma in theology assist in shortening the length of this process?
Thank you in advance for any assistance in answering this question.
 
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These are questions you would need to take to your vocations director and/or bishop. I don’t know about Australia, but here in the U.S. our Maronite bishops seem to be rather hesitant to ordain married men to the priesthood. To my knowledge, there is only one married Maronite priest in the U.S. (but I’m open to correction).

Priests in general receive a salary from the Church. The question you’d want to ask is whether that salary would be sufficient to support your family. From what I’ve heard, it usually isn’t unless you’re serving a large parish (with well-to-do parishioners who are generous in the Sunday collections). I’m not sure about Eastern Catholic priests, but I’ve heard that many married Orthodox priests supplement their salary by teaching at seminaries or universities, and I’ve even heard of some working in construction.

Again, these are all questions you’d need to take to your vocations director and/or bishop.

And if you’re willing, I’d love to hear what their response is. So post it on the forums!
 
I know a few married Melkite priests, but I haven’t met any married Maronite ones. (Though, I know they exist in the US). I would imagine different eparchies have different requirements. Contact your Eparchial offices.
 
The married convert Latin Rite priests I know (yes, I personally know more than one) hold down a full time secular job while attending Seminary. The model looks a lot like the formation for married Deacons (distance study, long weekends on site, etc.)
 
TheLittleLady said:
The married convert Latin Rite priests I know (yes, I personally know more than one) hold down a full time secular job while attending Seminary. The model looks a lot like the formation for married Deacons (distance study, long weekends on site, etc.)
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I think it might be different for them because they usually already have Masters degrees in Theology and are taking supplemental classes in order to ensure a properly Catholic theology.

I know the Melkites sometimes use a model for formation that does not require seminary. In such a case, the candidate for priesthood already possesses a master’s degree in theology and continues his studies for the priesthood in more of a mentorship model with his pastor, with a primary formation taking place at the parish level.
 
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The only source that can give you the correct answers to your questions is your own Eparchial vocation director. Call him today and set an appointment.

Some Eastern seminaries have something of a sabbatical-type break before diaconal ordination where the seminarians may find a wife and marry; and then are ordained deacons. Then, after a bit of time as a deacon, priestly ordination.

In Australia there is a large Ukrainian Catholic presence, I’m not sure how substantial the Maronite Church is down under. In many countries various sui uris Churches use a shared common seminary; as there are not enough seminarians to justify a Maronite seminary, and an Ukrainian seminary, and a Ruthenian seminary, etc.

For men that are already married, seminaries typically have family-style housing. Many Eastern priests (particularly married ones) do have additional jobs beyond the ministry - but they are typically related to professional work (teachers, professors, music instructors).

But, all of this info is merely informational - the only thing that matters is what your own Eparchy does.

I will pray for you as you discern your vocation(s),
Deacon Christopher
 
Thank you all for your very helpful replies. I really appreciate the feedback. This is something that I am still discerning at the moment, however if I do end up finding out more information regarding this then I will provide some details on this thread.

Thank you once again
 
One last thought before we allow this thread to close out:

Bear in mind that a vocation to the married priesthood isn’t just a vocation for you. You’re (future) bride will also be affected by your vocation and likely also be a key figure in your ministry alongside you. She will have to give her permission for you to pursue it. I’ve heard bishops say that they can’t (as in, don’t have the authority to) ordain a married man without the permission of the man’s wife. In that sense, your (future) bride is your vocations director. If she’s not on board with the idea of being a priest’s wife, then you won’t be able to pursue the vocation.
 
You have to be married AND receive your wife’s consent before you enter the seminary.

If your wife says no, that’s the end of it. If she says “yes”, then you can enter the seminary. Reason: “What God hath joined together let not man put asunder.”

A man who is ordained celibate cannot marry after ordination. This is the constant Tradition of the Church in both East and West.

True story that my married Ukrainian Greek Catholic pastor told us in his homily:

When he was in the seminary, a lady with 5 children came knocking on the door of the seminary and asked to see the bishop. The bishop came and asked the lady what she wanted. “Bishop, I want my husband back.” The matter was investigated, and it was discovered that he had abandoned his wife and children, so he had to leave the seminary.

If you intend on getting married, you should tell your fiancee that you plan to become a Maronite Catholic priest. Will she happy being the wife of a priest? You need to work things out together beforehand.

Talk to the Maronite Catholic vocations director or another Maronite Catholic priest. They will be able to help you.
 
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