laicized priests

[xtrememom]

Is it against the Code of Canon Law for laicized priests to instruct Catholic youth? I know they are forbidden to teach at seminaries, for obvious reasons. But what about being on call for different functions within the Diocese where they live? Such as conducting a Confirmation retreat?

 

[puzzleannie]

they cannot partake in any public ministry or teaching office either in service of the liturgy or religious education of youth and adults, teaching in Catholic schools, editing diocesan newspapers, or anything else. this is probably one of the most frequently broken canon laws you will find.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

xtrememom:

Is it against the Code of Canon Law for laicized priests to instruct Catholic youth? I know they are forbidden to teach at seminaries, for obvious reasons. But what about being on call for different functions within the Diocese where they live? Such as conducting a Confirmation retreat?

I do remember reading specifically that laicized priests cannot be catechists in some material on catechesis. As noted above they cannot perform any ministry in the Church. That would not prevent them from participating in public service. Such as serving meals at a homeless shelter, delivering meals to the elderly, etc. These are considered a parish community outreach but are not technically a ministry in the Church.

 

[mkw]

I don’t get it. A laicized priest still has vast knowledge of the faith, due to education and practice (for lack of a better word). Assuming their reasons for leaving the active ministry had nothing to do with church teachings, why not tap into such a wonderful resource?

I realize not all priests who leave are faithful to the teachings, some even might stay within the church in order to “change” things, (God protect us from that type), but what about the ones who simply “Burn Out” but still love the church?

 

[Salmon]

This issue has been receiving a bit of attention lately, as it appears that some cruise lines have been hiring former priests to conduct services (including mass) for passengers at sea.

With no bishops assigned to international waters, this gross abuse has gone unnoticed (by the Church and passengers) for some time.

If you do a Google search, type in “cruise priests” for an eye-full of awful.

If that’s not enough awful for you, you can visit “Rent-A-Priest” at:
Rent A Priest

Now, where did I leave that Pepto-Bismol?

Peace in Christ…Salmon

 

[mercygate]

mkw:

I don’t get it. A laicized priest still has vast knowledge of the faith, due to education and practice (for lack of a better word). Assuming their reasons for leaving the active ministry had nothing to do with church teachings, why not tap into such a wonderful resource?

I realize not all priests who leave are faithful to the teachings, some even might stay within the church in order to “change” things, (God protect us from that type), but what about the ones who simply “Burn Out” but still love the church?

Many laicized priests are undoubtedly both faithful and Orthodox. But a laicized priest has denied Solemn Vows. Since teaching is an Apostolic ministry and mandate, it would hardly be prudent for the Church to allow these people to exercise positions of authority – and catechist is a position of authority.

 

[tuopaolo]

What are the obvious reasons to forbid them from teaching at seminary?

Only some religious priests make solemn vows. Diocesan priests don’t make any vows and other religious priests may make vows that are not solemn. And in any of these cases the Church has the authority from Jesus Christ to dispense any vows and any obligations arising from becoming a priest. A dispensation from a vow can be given to anyone since anyone can make a private vow.

 

[puzzleannie]

mkw:

I don’t get it. A laicized priest still has vast knowledge of the faith, due to education and practice (for lack of a better word). Assuming their reasons for leaving the active ministry had nothing to do with church teachings, why not tap into such a wonderful resource?

I realize not all priests who leave are faithful to the teachings, some even might stay within the church in order to “change” things, (God protect us from that type), but what about the ones who simply “Burn Out” but still love the church?

he is in the same position as a married person who leaves the marriage, breaks his vows, and tries to marry another person. he is unfaithful to his bride, the Church. Therefore he cannot assume a role involving teaching, preaching or liturgical ministry. Saying a priest can abandon his calling because he burned out, yet still carry out some of the functions of that calling, is like saying a man can leave his marriage because he is burned out, but still have occassional sex with his wife. For him to teach in a seminary would be like a divorced person counsellling people who are preparing for marriage, or trying to save their marriage. Somebody who felt it is okay to abandon a marriage or priestly vocation by personal choice is not the best person to guide someone contemplating that vocation.