Impediments to priesthood and what constitues a worthy vocation

[TuEsPetrus]

So that I can get a super clear answer on the question so that as to later on, not find out something to the contrary. I heard somewhere, I am not sure even where but it is one of those things that stays on your mind and you never get answered !? I am 23 currently joined the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, and that involves dealing with a lot of blood etc… So my question is, after I am done with my commitment and service. I want to be a priest, however I am wondering if there could be something more extensive or even references, sources etc… On whether when you deal heavily with blood would be an impediment to the priesthood, certain careers like Butchers can’t be priest (this is what I have heard etc…). Also what is the difference in terms between irregularities and impediments or all of that terminology in general. Which one is it exactly that can be dispensed or can everything be dispensed if only the Holy See approves of it? I tried searching the forum but the other post dealing with this topic, simply quoted the Canon Law of the Church without being too specific or explaining.

Also if somebody with experience in spiritual direction or with a source from the Fathers, Doctors or Saints of the Church. How long must one be truly chaste in thought, word and deed before knowing that you are stable enough to enter the priesthood. One of the famous signs of not having a vocation, is the inability to stay in the state of Grace. I.e. What does this mean for everyone, I know a lot of people have asked me about this, but I have not been able to truly give a clear answer. Is there like a criteria, 2 years + without committing impure actions alone, fighting temptation in thought and in deed. **Please only respond if you have something truly meaningful or know what you are talking about. ** I hope if I was not specific enough you can ask me anything that might help elucidate on the matter . I do not want spurious theologians or modernist stuff quoted, please try to stick to good old faithful magisterial teaching.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

I am studying for the priesthood and in my work history is a 4 year period of working as a full time paramedic.

Butchers are not impeded from the priesthood.

What you are thinking of and have been told may have been in the old Code of Canon Law.

The only impediments to the priesthood appear in Canon Law and are as follows.
Can. 1041 The following persons are irregular for the reception of orders:

1° one who suffers from any form of insanity, or from any other psychological infirmity, because of which he is, after experts have been consulted, judged incapable of being able to fulfil the ministry;

2° one who has committed the offence of apostasy, heresy or schism;

3° one who has attempted marriage, even a civil marriage, either while himself prevented from entering marriage whether by an existing marriage bond or by a sacred order or by a public and perpetual vow of chastity, or with a woman who is validly married or is obliged by the same vow;

4° one who has committed wilful homicide, or one who has actually procured an abortion, and all who have positively cooperated;

5° one who has gravely and maliciously mutilated himself or another, or who has attempted suicide;

6° one who has carried out an act of order which is reserved to those in the order of the episcopate or priesthood, while himself either not possessing that order or being barred from its exercise by some canonical penalty, declared or imposed.

Can. 1042 The following are simply impeded from receiving orders:

1° a man who has a wife, unless he is lawfully destined for the permanent diaconate;

2° one who exercises an office or administration forbidden to clerics, in accordance with cann. 285 and 286, of which he must render an account; the impediment binds until such time as, having relinquished the office and administration and rendered the account, he has been freed;

3° a neophyte, unless, in the judgement of the Ordinary, he has been sufficiently tested.

Some of these may be dispensed by the local bishop, others only by the Apostolic See.

Hope this helps.