Married Priest?

[cristian84]

Can a Married Man Become a Priest in any of the Eastern Rite Catholic Churches in the US? I am aware of the fact that it is the custom of the Eastern Churches to allow married men to be ordained to the priesthood. However it is also my understanding that at some point in the US history of the Church, the ability was withheld (restrained / not allowed) within the US (only the US). Is it still prohibited, if not which Eastern Rites will ordain a married man, and is there any special process and prerequisite that needs to take place beforehand?

Thanks!

 

[bpcatholic]

I am not sure. But I do know that in order to become a priest of any eastern catholic rite, the person has to change rites. There is lots of paper work involved I heard. IMO I think a married man can become an EC priest. I could be wrong. If I am, someone please correct me!

 

[Aramis]

Can a Married Man Become a Priest in any of the Eastern Rite Catholic Churches in the US? I am aware of the fact that it is the custom of the Eastern Churches to allow married men to be ordained to the priesthood. However it is also my understanding that at some point in the US history of the Church, the ability was withheld (restrained / not allowed) within the US (only the US). Is it still prohibited, if not which Eastern Rites will ordain a married man, and is there any special process and prerequisite that needs to take place beforehand?

Thanks!

The Ruthenian and Ukrainian churches both have ordained married men for service in the US (only one in the Ruthenian Church, as far as I know, not counting deacons). However, it is not encouraged for men to change rites to be ordained; it requires a person of long history with the particular church for such to be considered.

 

[bpbasilphx]

Can a Married Man Become a Priest in any of the Eastern Rite Catholic Churches in the US?

As has been repeatedly said there, the term “Eastern rite” is not the proper term. It’s “Eastern Catholic Church”.

But I do know that in order to become a priest of any eastern catholic rite, the person has to change rites. There is lots of paper work involved I heard.

Changing one’s sui juris church is not that difficult.

 

[Aramis]

Can a Married Man Become a Priest in any of the Eastern Rite Catholic Churches in the US?

As has been repeatedly said there, the term “Eastern rite” is not the proper term. It’s “Eastern Catholic Church”.

His use of the terms is correct, if awkward. Catholic Churches of the Eastern Rites is preferred.

 

[Volodymyr_988]

Here’s the deal. If you are looking into the Eastern Churches so you can circumvent the Latin discipline of priestly celibacy you are barking up the up the wrong tree. I have no idea whether or not this is what prompted you to ask this question, but I am going to lay it out for everyone in cyberspace to see.

I do know of one Latin who became a priest in the UGCC and another who is a deacon in the UGCC. But the priest married a Ukrainian woman and was pretty wealthy so he could afford to attend seminary (you have to pay your own way, not like in the Latin seminaries attached to a diocese.) By the way, the priest and his family have been moved several times since his ordination, even across the whole country and have been separated for months at a time while they were house hunting. The deacon was a long time member of the Church before he entered into seminary and it took quite a long time to finish as he had to do it across the country on his personal vacation time.

The last thing. If you are trying to circumvent the Latin discipline, the Eastern Bishop can smell it and will prevent your switch or your entrance into the seminary. Also, if you can fool the bishop, you can’t fool God. He will make it so you have no opportunity to go around the discipline into which you were born.

 

[cristian84]

Here’s the deal. If you are looking into the Eastern Churches so you can circumvent the Latin discipline of priestly celibacy you are barking up the up the wrong tree. I have no idea whether or not this is what prompted you to ask this question, but I am going to lay it out for everyone in cyberspace to see.

I do know of one Latin who became a priest in the UGCC and another who is a deacon in the UGCC. But the priest married a Ukrainian woman and was pretty wealthy so he could afford to attend seminary (you have to pay your own way, not like in the Latin seminaries attached to a diocese.) By the way, the priest and his family have been moved several times since his ordination, even across the whole country and have been separated for months at a time while they were house hunting. The deacon was a long time member of the Church before he entered into seminary and it took quite a long time to finish as he had to do it across the country on his personal vacation time.

The last thing. If you are trying to circumvent the Latin discipline, the Eastern Bishop can smell it and will prevent your switch or your entrance into the seminary. Also, if you can fool the bishop, you can’t fool God. He will make it so you have no opportunity to go around the discipline into which you were born.

I appreciate your response. However I since a bit of hostility in your response. I ask because I am seriously trying to investigate the Eastern Catholic Churches: Theology, Practices, Customs, Disciplines, overall expression of faith, and its role within the Universal Church at large.

That being said, I have for some time considered converting to Eastern Orthodoxy ( I have stated this in previous threads, but I do not want to get into the details here) Which is another reason for my taking a serious look at the ECC’s .

I would also note that while my intention in asking is not to "circumvent " my Latin rite in order to be ordained, but out of serious inquiry as I stated above. I would like to say plainly that the priesthood is not for the taking, it is a vocation which God calls one to; and if the Lord is calling someone to religious life he will always open the door, it matters little what Rite one is from.

Thanks everyone for your answers. I would also ask if anyone has any sources or links to EC position on this issue, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[Diak]

Several of the Eastern Catholic Churches in North America have restored the ordination of married men to the priesthood. In my Eparchy we are about 2/3 married parochial clergy. As Volodymyr 988 has correctly stated, there are unique challenges to married clergy. And to the eparchies as well, as needless to say financial support for an entire clergy family and housing, health benefits, etc. is much different than that for a single celibate priest.

As Volodymyr 988 also correctly notes, a bishop will not likely take any candidate for the priesthood before he has demonstrated his fidelity and familiarity with the particular ritual Church he wishes to be ordained within.

The Latin Church has also ordained several former Episcopalian and Lutheran ministers to the priesthood as well who were married, and any local prohibitions specific to the practice (such as *Cum Data Fuerit)*have not been in force for half a century.

 

[Madaglan]

Originally Posted by Diak:

Several of the Eastern Catholic Churches in North America have restored the ordination of married men to the priesthood. In my Eparchy we are about 2/3 married parochial clergy. As Volodymyr 988 has correctly stated, there are unique challenges to married clergy. And to the eparchies as well, as needless to say financial support for an entire clergy family and housing, health benefits, etc. is much different than that for a single celibate priest.

There are challenges, but God provides.

As Volodymyr 988 also correctly notes, a bishop will not likely take any candidate for the priesthood before he has demonstrated his fidelity and familiarity with the particular ritual Church he wishes to be ordained within.

Sounds good to me!

The Latin Church has also ordained several former Episcopalian and Lutheran ministers to the priesthood as well who were married, and any local prohibitions specific to the practice (such as *Cum Data Fuerit)*have not been in force for half a century.

I’ve been to one parish where such was the case.

 

[Volodymyr_988]

I appreciate your response. However I since a bit of hostility in your response. I ask because I am seriously trying to investigate the Eastern Catholic Churches: Theology, Practices, Customs, Disciplines, overall expression of faith, and its role within the Universal Church at large.

That being said, I have for some time considered converting to Eastern Orthodoxy ( I have stated this in previous threads, but I do not want to get into the details here) Which is another reason for my taking a serious look at the ECC’s .

I would also note that while my intention in asking is not to "circumvent " my Latin rite in order to be ordained, but out of serious inquiry as I stated above. I would like to say plainly that the priesthood is not for the taking, it is a vocation which God calls one to; and if the Lord is calling someone to religious life he will always open the door, it matters little what Rite one is from.

Thanks everyone for your answers. I would also ask if anyone has any sources or links to EC position on this issue, I would greatly appreciate it.

Take it as a prophetic warning. No hostility intended. Sometimes men are called to the priesthood but still want their cake and to eat it too. A Latin Catholic man should respect the Church he was born into, yes he may have to give up marriage but that is the cross that the Lord has placed on him.

 

[wmlillie]

A Latin Catholic man should respect the Church he was born into, yes he may have to give up marriage but that is the cross that the Lord has placed on him.

The Lord placed on him? More like the Roman Catholic Hierarchy!

Mike

 

[Volodymyr_988]

My friend, have you considered that if God wanted a man to be a married priest He would have created that man as an Eastern Catholic? I for one am for married priests. But as it stands Latin priests who are “cradle Catholics” may not seek the priesthood after marriage (while the wife is alive.)

The parish priest when I lived in another state was life long Eastern Catholic and a late vocation after his wife died. He was actually against the married clergy as the priesthood placed too many demands on him. He said that in no way could he have been a husband and a father doing what he does now. I was really shocked to hear it.

 

[Madaglan]

Originally Posted by Volodymyr 988:

My friend, have you considered that if God wanted a man to be a married priest He would have created that man as an Eastern Catholic? I for one am for married priests. But as it stands Latin priests who are “cradle Catholics” may not seek the priesthood after marriage (while the wife is alive.)

Difficulties arise when one ponders the intentions of God.

This said, who is to say God intended the man to remain Latin Catholic? Perhaps being Latin was a stepping stone in becoming Eastern.

The parish priest when I lived in another state was life long Eastern Catholic and a late vocation after his wife died. He was actually against the married clergy as the priesthood placed too many demands on him. He said that in no way could he have been a husband and a father doing what he does now. I was really shocked to hear it.

God provides strength and resources.

 

[rinnie]

My friend, have you considered that if God wanted a man to be a married priest He would have created that man as an Eastern Catholic? I for one am for married priests. But as it stands Latin priests who are “cradle Catholics” may not seek the priesthood after marriage (while the wife is alive.)

The parish priest when I lived in another state was life long Eastern Catholic and a late vocation after his wife died. He was actually against the married clergy as the priesthood placed too many demands on him. He said that in no way could he have been a husband and a father doing what he does now. I was really shocked to hear it.

I agree with you that a Priest is in the Order Jesus called him to. I disagree with you on the marriage thing, but that okay too. That is just our personal opinion. One of the reasons I do disagree is for the reasons your Parish Priest states. I can see how hard really impossible at times to be a Priest, Father, Husband Pap, etc. I see how busy my Priest is without a wife. I could only imagine with a family. But like you said, and on that I agree they are where God wants them to be.

 

[wmlillie]

Please do not take one man’s opinion and generalize for all. Married men not being able to become Latin priests is not the will of the Lord just because it is the current reality. There are many realities in this world and with in the Church which are not the will of the Lord.

 

[rinnie]

Please do not take one man’s opinion and generalize for all. Married men not being able to become Latin priests is not the will of the Lord just because it is the current reality. There are many realities in this world and with in the Church which are not the will of the Lord.

Well it is today, And if the Pope say’s :nope: nope its nope!

 

[malphono]

…
The parish priest when I lived in another state was life long Eastern Catholic and a late vocation after his wife died. He was actually against the married clergy as the priesthood placed too many demands on him. He said that in no way could he have been a husband and a father doing what he does now. I was really shocked to hear it.

Not really so shocking, if you consider the realities of day-to-living. In the “old country” (I’m speaking here of Middle Eastern, but I believe the Slavic reality was pretty much the same – with the normal cultural variations), married priests were also known as “village priests” and often had a heard of sheep or goats to tend. Or a small plot of land to farm. Or a wood bench and lathe, etc, to make furniture (shades of S Joseph there, but it was real.) No matter what it was that they did, they did it to support the wife and children. In other words, they were part of the village, not separate from it.

Whatever the trade, the diocese (or eparchy or mar’etho etc) didn’t support the priest’s wife and children. The priest did.) The demands on them as priests were certainly real, but it was within the context of a small community where everybody knew everybody’s name (sounds almost like a plug for the old TV show “Cheers” doesn’t it?). Levity aside, the reality in the US, particularly these days, is far different (from what was, or, to varying degrees, still is, in the “old country”), and I can fully understand what that priest was saying, and why he said it.

I’m a “cradle Oriental” and of course I am not against marries priests. It’s part of our tradition (and a venerable part – there are a few in my family tree), and even S Paul speaks to it. But even so, I’m not thrilled with the idea that a married priest’s wife and family should be supported by the diocese (or eparchy, etc). The “old way” was otherwise, and IMHO, if we are going to have married priests, it should be that same “otherwise” now.

Yes, I realize that I’m going to be slammed for supporting the “worker priest” idea, but in the case of married men, that is exactly what it was traditionally was.

 

[wmlillie]

I’m a “cradle Oriental” and of course I am not against marries priests. It’s part of our tradition (and a venerable part – there are a few in my family tree), and even S Paul speaks to it. But even so, I’m not thrilled with the idea that a married priest’s wife and family should be supported by the diocese (or eparchy, etc). The “old way” was otherwise, and IMHO, if we are going to have married priests, it should be that same “otherwise” now.

Yes, I realize that I’m going to be slammed for supporting the “worker priest” idea, but in the case of married men, that is exactly what it was traditionally was.

On the contrary, I believe that the “worker priest” should be seriously looked by the Church as an option.

Mike

 

[Harpazo]

Not really so shocking, if you consider the realities of day-to-living. In the “old country” (I’m speaking here of Middle Eastern, but I believe the Slavic reality was pretty much the same – with the normal cultural variations), married priests were also known as “village priests” and often had a heard of sheep or goats to tend. Or a small plot of land to farm. Or a wood bench and lathe, etc, to make furniture (shades of S Joseph there, but it was real.) No matter what it was that they did, they did it to support the wife and children. In other words, they were part of the village, not separate from it.

Whatever the trade, the diocese (or eparchy or mar’etho etc) didn’t support the priest’s wife and children. The priest did.) The demands on them as priests were certainly real, but it was within the context of a small community where everybody knew everybody’s name (sounds almost like a plug for the old TV show “Cheers” doesn’t it?). Levity aside, the reality in the US, particularly these days, is far different (from what was, or, to varying degrees, still is, in the “old country”), and I can fully understand what that priest was saying, and why he said it.

I’m a “cradle Oriental” and of course I am not against marries priests. It’s part of our tradition (and a venerable part – there are a few in my family tree), and even S Paul speaks to it. But even so, I’m not thrilled with the idea that a married priest’s wife and family should be supported by the diocese (or eparchy, etc). The “old way” was otherwise, and IMHO, if we are going to have married priests, it should be that same “otherwise” now.

Yes, I realize that I’m going to be slammed for supporting the “worker priest” idea, but in the case of married men, that is exactly what it was traditionally was.

Shlomo,

This is an excellent post and I agree 100%. The local Orthodox priest does house repairs to support his family during the week. In fact, he and his family have been building the church itself as an addition to their house. When I think of the earliest days of the Church, I always imagined the priests supporting their families while dispensing the Sacraments to the people.

In Christ,
Andrew

 

[Volodymyr_988]

Please do not take one man’s opinion and generalize for all. Married men not being able to become Latin priests is not the will of the Lord just because it is the current reality. There are many realities in this world and with in the Church which are not the will of the Lord.

Mr. Lillie,

Were you a Latin Catholic before? I sense some hostility to the Latin Church that I have seen before in some of the “Novus Ordo Refugees” that frequent Eastern Catholic Churches. I’ll even admit that I used to feel similarly.