Married Convert Becoming A Priest

[jpusateri]

Barbara Rice:

I have tried searching this site for an existing thread, but can’t seem to find one.

In my home diocese we have a Catholic convert who is married with two children and has become a priest and is now pastor of one of our churches. I believe he may have been Lutheran.

Please explain how this can be done? Thank you.

Barb,

I am not a canon lawyer and I don’t even play one on TV, but a quick look tells me that the relevant part is in Can. 1042 n1:
Can. 1042:

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

1. a man who has a wife, unless he is legitimately destined to the permanent diaconate;

So then if this is an impediment to receiving holy orders, what can be done? Look at Can 1047 §2 n3:
Can. 1047:

§2. Dispensation from the following irregularities and impediments to receive orders is also reserved to the Apostolic See:

1. the impediment mentioned in can. 1042, n. 1.

So, it seems that a married man can become a priest if dispensation is given by the Pope.

It can be done!!!

Joe

P.S. All this was found at vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/_P3S.HTM#4.1.0.6.2.3.1042

 

[AlanFromWichita]

So if anybody whines that the Catholic Church does not allow married priests, you can simply say, “you’re wrong. They do.” If they get excited, just look at them kindly and with a touch of pity until they calm down. Since you know you’re right; you don’t have to defend it.

Alan