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SteveLy
Guest
Can a married non-denominational Pastor convert to Catholicism and be ordained a Priest? If yes what requirements would need to be met?
Thanks, Steve
Thanks, Steve
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puzzleannie
Guest
yes, and there is an article about this in a issue of This Rock, available from the CA homepage. there is also an active thread on on Episcopal/Anglican clergy converting and becoming Catholic priests on the Forums.
For Protestant clergy contemplating entering the CAtholic Church, the Coming Home network is a valuable help. The man would have to complete his seminary education, usually at one of a couple of seminaries that cater to later vocations or to converts. He would also have to find a parish or other position where he could support his family, and in most cases his wife would have to work.
For Protestant clergy contemplating entering the CAtholic Church, the Coming Home network is a valuable help. The man would have to complete his seminary education, usually at one of a couple of seminaries that cater to later vocations or to converts. He would also have to find a parish or other position where he could support his family, and in most cases his wife would have to work.
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Cran
Guest
I agree with the above, it depends (over here) abit of the local bishop… but it can add to much confusion if there’s suddenly a married parish priest… but this could also happen if a priest of the eastern rite takes over a roman parish (which he may, if the bishop asks him to do so).
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Kevin42
Guest
A long time ago, our Church had a married former Anglican priest. He was a very good priest, and is proof that this can be done well. However, I would hope that the Protestant minister in question has prayed very intensely over this to make sure that it is God’s will that is being done.
po18guy
Well-known member
Yes! It has been done. It does require a lot of discernment, but as the Spirit leads you home, may He fulfill your desire to serve Him. I would suggest that you contact the local Diocese where you live.
And may God bless you and your loving Christian family richly.
Christ’s peace.
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SuscipeMeDomine
Guest
The person should talk to their diocesan vocations office. I’ve heard of Anglican/Episcopalian married priests becoming Catholic priests and I believe I’ve heard it about Lutherans, but I’m not sure about a non-denominational minister.
There’s information about the pastoral provision here: pastoralprovision.org/
There’s information about the pastoral provision here: pastoralprovision.org/
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SteveLy
Guest
Thanks!
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Pious_Mat
Guest
Although this is possible, it must be said that toward the end of his pontifical reign, John Paul II was not as open to this as he once was, denying many Anglican parishes to become “transitional” ones, as are the twenty-five in Texas. I’m not sure how the Holy Father Benedict XVI reacts to such cases, but I do know that Papal approval is required in such a situation directly, just as it is if a priest wishes to leave the priesthood.
Regardless of the particulars, a conversion is a joyous event, especially if that person intends to help spread the Good News through the teachings of the Church.
Regardless of the particulars, a conversion is a joyous event, especially if that person intends to help spread the Good News through the teachings of the Church.
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Nick
Guest
I think the provision only allows for Episcopalian ministers who convert.
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jmcrae
Guest
I am under the impression that Lutheran priests may also be allowed, but it is not permitted generally - a UCC minister or an Evangelical minister would not be able to do this, for example.
Keep in mind too that the only reason it is permitted at all is for pastoral reasons, because of the outward similarities between the Lutheran, Anglican, and Catholic priesthoods. There is very little outward similarity between a UCC minister and a Catholic priest, nor between an Evangelical pastor and a Catholic priest.
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rien
Guest
They do it for mainline pastors at times. Interesting is Alwx Jones who was a pentecostal pastor and is married and now is trying to be permitted to be a priest. If thee is a provision for former Anglicans and Lutherans I think that in some cases that should be extended to others like Jones.
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scylla
Guest
They certainly can become Deacons as married men.
It all depends on the man and his calling as some people are not suited for the priesthood.
A Deacon is an ordained minister and can preach, he just would have to wait until he is single by death of his wife before he can become a Priest. (this is not to suggest a mafia divorce but to encourage a first calling to marriage)
chnetwork.org/
Is where to go for more info,(as others have said)
In Christ
Scylla
It all depends on the man and his calling as some people are not suited for the priesthood.
A Deacon is an ordained minister and can preach, he just would have to wait until he is single by death of his wife before he can become a Priest. (this is not to suggest a mafia divorce but to encourage a first calling to marriage)
chnetwork.org/
Is where to go for more info,(as others have said)
In Christ
Scylla
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SteveLy
Guest
Thanks again!
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Titus
Guest
As well as the spritual dimension there is a pastoral and financial consideration, which would be high in the local ordinary’s mind. For example, the Church of England (Anglican Communion member) provides pensions for ex clergy that leave due to new doctrinal problems over there. This has allowed married priests’ wives to live, since the Church is not set up to provide for them. That would be a factor, I have no doubt.
Pastorally speaking, some bishops are very wary of these conversions. They fear single-issue converts (eg over women priests in ECUSA) and they fear the confusion among the people over married priests.
We had a married priest who had been an Anglican vicar and he was wonderful. But he was widowed, so I am unsure as to what it would be like to be a priest’s wife!?
Pastorally speaking, some bishops are very wary of these conversions. They fear single-issue converts (eg over women priests in ECUSA) and they fear the confusion among the people over married priests.
We had a married priest who had been an Anglican vicar and he was wonderful. But he was widowed, so I am unsure as to what it would be like to be a priest’s wife!?
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Palladio
Guest
To answer the last, excellent, question: God knows.
However, based on experience the couple I know, it is very difficult for the wife, but also on the priest, whose situation is not sympathetically understood, in part because it is rare, in part because of prejudice.
But he is a wonderful priest and she is a superb lady.
God bless.
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mouda772
Guest
hey guys,getting another vocation to the thrue chruch is always good-if it is a true calling.the rule of celibacy would still apply and the wife would have to be trained too because she is not going to get alot out of her husband(their marriage was probably invalid anyway)its just a very very messy situation.i think he should think more about being a permanent deacon rather than a priest-at least then he is limited to what he can and cant do and if he outlives his wife then he can become a priest.-i have big issues with married people touching the body of our lord with their hands as it is,but a priest commanding and consecrating is just waaaaay too much.here is a interesting link to the ancient practice of celibacy
catholicculture.org/library/view.cfm?recnum=7663
itis a pretty big ask really and this sort of thing must be taken slowly and decerned-he may not be called to the priesthood but to married life.he could also be called as part of a secular order(like the carmelites have) or he could just be being called to be a catholic and his position as “minister” has confused him into thinking that he has to be a priest and have miniserial duties.i think he just needs to focus on being a baptised catholic first,we are very careful on who we let into the priesthood for very very good reasons(luther for example-he was a mistake) and its sort of like having to un-brainwash somebody to convert them-its going to be a big challange and its going to take a long long long long time before he could be considered i think-this is just a general thing
catholicculture.org/library/view.cfm?recnum=7663
itis a pretty big ask really and this sort of thing must be taken slowly and decerned-he may not be called to the priesthood but to married life.he could also be called as part of a secular order(like the carmelites have) or he could just be being called to be a catholic and his position as “minister” has confused him into thinking that he has to be a priest and have miniserial duties.i think he just needs to focus on being a baptised catholic first,we are very careful on who we let into the priesthood for very very good reasons(luther for example-he was a mistake) and its sort of like having to un-brainwash somebody to convert them-its going to be a big challange and its going to take a long long long long time before he could be considered i think-this is just a general thing
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Palladio
Guest
We?
The question rests entirely with the magisterium, not with the laity, which allows married ministers into the Catholic priesthood.
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Titus
Guest
Bear in mind the Magisterium has determined
a) That married people may touch the Host if communion in the hand has been permitted by indult
b) That married ministers of other Christian denominations are permitted to become Catholic priests and are not required to take a vow of celibacy.
We don’t want to scare off future priests from their true calling in the true church, now do we?
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ASimpleSinner
Guest
Scyllay -
VERY good point. I often say that I wish many of these former Protestant ministers who have joined the Catholic Church would serve us VERY well as deacons. Their preaching skills and devotion to Christ and the teachings of His Church could be a wonderful asset. Deacons MAY preach the homilies at Mass, and while it is not the focal point of our wosrhip - the Eucharist is - to hear an orthodox well preached homily is always a blessing.
In all the discussion of the “vocations crunch” in the US we often overlook the 15,000 deacons we have ordained in the past 40 years. (The program has only recently in the past decade or two become available in some places!)
NO, these guys are “half priests” They have a distinctive ministry seperate from that of the priest, while still sharing in Holy Orders. BUT they can and do play an intregal part in bringing “Christ to the World”.
Pray for more priests certainly! But do also pray for more deacons!
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