Married Priest?

[Patchunky]

I am not sure I understand you post exactly. But speaking for myself a Roman Catholic, I know why my Priest is not married. He chose to give his FULL attention To the Church, to Christ. He gave up every physical and emotional need to have a wife, children and family of his own, and gave his full attention to Christ through his Church.

What a shame…

I have a friend who is a married priest, his brother is a priest, his sister is a nun… His father is a priest and his grandfather was a priest and his grandfather’s father was a priest… Seems like they don’t have a problem giving full attention to church and family both:thumbsup:

 

[rinnie]

What a shame…

I have a friend who is a married priest, his brother is a priest, his sister is a nun… His father is a priest and his grandfather was a priest and his grandfather’s father was a priest… Seems like they don’t have a problem giving full attention to church and family both:thumbsup:

If you do not mind me asking how can you give your full attention to the Church a wife and Children all at the same time?

 

[Madaglan]

If you do not mind me asking how can you give your full attention to the Church a wife and Children all at the same time?

God-like strength.

 

[rinnie]

God-like strength.

I like your answer, But that’s not what the bible says though.

 

[Madaglan]

I like your answer, But that’s not what the bible says though.

Something about being married to one wife and having faithful children. Oh wait, that’s about bishops.

There is nothing in Scripture to suggest that God will not provide for a married priest and his family.

St. Paul advises that others be like him (celibate), but this is not divine command.

 

[malphono]

Patchunky:

What a shame…

I have a friend who is a married priest, his brother is a priest, his sister is a nun… His father is a priest and his grandfather was a priest and his grandfather’s father was a priest… Seems like they don’t have a problem giving full attention to church and family both

If you do not mind me asking how can you give your full attention to the Church a wife and Children all at the same time?

Earlier in this thread (post #17 to be exact) I noted that married clergy are a venerable part of the Eastern and Oriental tradition. Married clergy are also rather common among the Orthodox.

Patchunky’s friend is a married priest whose father is a priest whose father is a priest … etc. Not all that unusual, (there are several such in my extended family), particularly in the “old country” (wherever that may be).

As I said in my earlier post, I firmly believe that married clergy should continue the “old country” tradition of having “day jobs” to support their families. But … that has no bearing whatsoever on their dedication to the Church or the priesthood. These men were/are priests and were/are respected by their people as priests.

Celibacy is not an absolute requirement for a priest to be dedicated to the Church. If a married man were not called to the priesthood, would the Holy Spirit have allowed him to be ordained? If there was a problem with his priestly dedication, would not the bishop have taken disciplinary measures, just as the he would in the case of a celibate priest?

The Spirit calls. The Church tests and ordains. Please don’t impugn what is a valid Eastern and Oriental tradition that has worked remarkably well for many centuries. Keep in mind, too, that not all Eastern and Oriental priests are married. It is and has always been an option. Monks, of course, are always celibate, but many Eastern and Oriental secular clergy are celibate as well.

 

[wmlillie]

If you do not mind me asking how can you give your full attention to the Church a wife and Children all at the same time?

It’s simple, he has a team behind him. He is raising a Family that loves Christ and his Church. With this in mind you should not be surprised to hear that many of the wives of priests’ accomplish what no Catechist, Secretary, or Administrator of a parish could ever do!

Please be mindful that married priests have been a part of the East (and Protestant Churches) for centuries. These married priests have devouted themselves to Christ and there parishes and in many cases have produced additional vocations to the priesthood from with in their family. Here is the amazing thing, the Church has survived despite them being married (sorry for the sarcasm but somtimes it is useful to make a point). So, devouting ones life to the Church need not mean being a Monk.

 

[rinnie]

Something about being married to one wife and having faithful children. Oh wait, that’s about bishops.

There is nothing in Scripture to suggest that God will not provide for a married priest and his family.

St. Paul advises that others be like him (celibate), but this is not divine command.

I agree with you there is nothing that says you cannot. But I think Christ said it best when he said you cannot serve two masters.

Just think of it this way The sacrament of marriage and Holy Orders are mutually exclusive. Each one is called to give fully of himself to the Other. In marriage his wife. In Holy Orders to Christ.

matt 19:12 Or have made themselves eunchs because of the kingdom of heaven The one who Can ACCEPT THIS SHOULD accept it.

Now in the RCC it calls unmarried men to the priesthood, why because Jesus was unmarried and celibate. The more Christ-Like the purer his vocation.

1 cor 7 32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord how he may please the Lord. 33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world how he may please his wife.

Now please do not get me wrong, I am not saying that the bible forbids marriage. I am just showing you how we as Roman Catholics see things also.

Personally I cannot see how a Priest who is not married cannot have more time then a Priest that has a wife and kids. A married Priest must take time for his wife and kids. A un-married Priest just takes time to do strictly for the Church. I am not saying I am right, I am saying I cannot see how I can be wrong on this. I am not saying married Priests are not wonderful, but they still do not have the time to give 100% to the Church only. They should not and cannot neglect their wife and kids. That is just my opinion

 

[rinnie]

It’s simple, he has a team behind him. He is raising a Family that loves Christ and his Church. With this in mind you should not be surprised to hear that many of the wives of priests’ accomplish what no Catechist, Secretary, or Administrator of a parish could ever do!

Please be mindful that married priests have been a part of the East (and Protestant Churches) for centuries. These married priests have devouted themselves to Christ and there parishes and in many cases have produced additional vocations to the priesthood from with in their family. Here is the amazing thing, the Church has survived despite them being married (sorry for the sarcasm but somtimes it is useful to make a point). So, devouting ones life to the Church need not mean being a Monk.

I respect what you are saying, and agree with alot of it. But I am also just showing the other side of the coin where the Bible also tells us that Marriage is not the answer for all. They are all doing The work of Jesus Christ and should be respected in the highest standards. But I do feel the RC Priest does give up more. I am by no means saying he is better, or knows more, I am just stating a fact.

 

[Madaglan]

Originally Posted by rinnie:

I agree with you there is nothing that says you cannot. But I think Christ said it best when he said you cannot serve two masters.

Well, maybe some matushka’s are masters (or perceived as such by their husbands).

Just think of it this way The sacrament of marriage and Holy Orders are mutually exclusive. Each one is called to give fully of himself to the Other. In marriage his wife. In Holy Orders to Christ.

Hmm…I have to disagree.

The sacrament of marriage and Holy Orders are not mutually exclusive. If they were, no married man could be ordained priest. Now, I believe you are right in that a man who does not have a wife can use his time and energy in building up his flock. Yet, it can also be said that, in being martyred to the other spouse in the mystery of marriage, the man learns how to better give himself to the Church.

matt 19:12 Or have made themselves eunchs because of the kingdom of heaven The one who Can ACCEPT THIS SHOULD accept it.

So long as you don’t take it literally, sure.

Now in the RCC it calls unmarried men to the priesthood, why because Jesus was unmarried and celibate. The more Christ-Like the purer his vocation.

Most of the Apostles were married men.

Does that make them less Christ-like, less pure than the Latin priests of today?

No offense intended.

1 cor 7 32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord how he may please the Lord. 33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world how he may please his wife.

Yes, it is *better *to be unmarried.

This said, marriage does not mean that one cannot please the Lord or care for the things of the Lord. It may be more difficult, but not impossible.

Now please do not get me wrong, I am not saying that the bible forbids marriage. I am just showing you how we as Roman Catholics see things also.

Right. I understand.

Personally I cannot see how a Priest who is not married cannot have more time then a Priest that has a wife and kids. A married Priest must take time for his wife and kids. A un-married Priest just takes time to do strictly for the Church. I am not saying I am right, I am saying I cannot see how I can be wrong on this. I am not saying married Priests are not wonderful, but they still do not have the time to give 100% to the Church only. They should not and cannot neglect their wife and kids. That is just my opinion

Well, while taking St. Paul’s words into consideration, I would think that taking time with one’s wife and children is not spiritually unwholesome. And, while technically celibate priests have more open time to devote to the Church, they also spend time outside of church; they go golfing, bowling, sky-diving, visit family, travel, etc.

 

[rinnie]

Oh I do not disagree with you at all. Sure they golf, have a little more free time, but that is my point. But what do you think would come first golf or the Church, See what I mean.

As far a being Christ like not all of the Apostles were married. But my point was the more like Christ you are the better. And all I said that Jesus was not married. And is being married or not married more Christ like. Just a fact is all. But by no means to degrade married ones.

But all I wanted to do is show how the RCC thinking is . And why I personally agree with the no marriage. But again that is what the Pope says, That is his right to change or not to change. God gave him that authority to do. As for now. He says no in the RCC. I for one can understand his reasons. If in time it would come down for him or another to change it, thats cool with me too. I agree with his authority and obey it.

God Bless us all, and give us all the wisdom and mercy to be able to agree and disagree and still stay in the good graces of Our Lord.

 

[Madaglan]

Originally Posted by rinnie:

Oh I do not disagree with you at all. Sure they golf, have a little more free time, but that is my point. But what do you think would come first golf or the Church, See what I mean.

Can I hear substitute duty?

As far a being Christ like not all of the Apostles were married. But my point was the more like Christ you are the better. And all I said that Jesus was not married. And is being married or not married more Christ like. Just a fact is all. But by no means to degrade married ones.

Yes, sure. That’s why there are monks!

But all I wanted to do is show how the RCC thinking is . And why I personally agree with the no marriage. But again that is what the Pope says, That is his right to change or not to change. God gave him that authority to do. As for now. He says no in the RCC. I for one can understand his reasons. If in time it would come down for him or another to change it, thats cool with me too. I agree with his authority and obey it.

Clerical celibacy has been the discipline of the Latin Church for many centuries.

As much as I support a married priesthood, I think a sudden change in discipline in the Latin Church would create more problems than it would solve.

God Bless us all, and give us all the wisdom and mercy to be able to agree and disagree and still stay in the good graces of Our Lord.

Thank you. God Bless you as well.

 

[bpbasilphx]

**
As much as I support a married priesthood, I think a sudden change in discipline in the Latin Church would create more problems than it would solve.**

**I would have to say that on a practical level, I would agree with you here.

However, I also believe that married AND celibate priests have different and complementary gifts, which can only enrich the Church.**

 

[chrisb]

Was there ever an understanding of Perfection as being above the pursuit of physical pleasure in the Eastern Church?

 

[Jerry-Jet]

Were any of the disciples the last married bishops?

Were there any married bishops after the disciples?

Who was the last married bishop?

 

[Formosus]

That is where monasticism came from, the eastern churches and eastern christians trying to seek perfection. The celibate clergy in the west comes from a confusing of the monastic life and its search for perfection with the sacredotal (presbyteral) life of service.

 

[Formosus]

Just think of it this way The sacrament of marriage and Holy Orders are mutually exclusive. Each one is called to give fully of himself to the Other. In marriage his wife. In Holy Orders to Christ.
…
Personally I cannot see how a Priest who is not married cannot have more time then a Priest that has a wife and kids. A married Priest must take time for his wife and kids. A un-married Priest just takes time to do strictly for the Church. I am not saying I am right, I am saying I cannot see how I can be wrong on this. I am not saying married Priests are not wonderful, but they still do not have the time to give 100% to the Church only. They should not and cannot neglect their wife and kids. That is just my opinion

They sure aren’t mutually exclusive for my pastor and my parochial vicar, they are both are married.As for my pastor , he for instance, seems to find time to have 5 children and run two missions in North Carolina that are three and a half hours apart from each other all while holding down a job. I think he does a fine job as a priest and is definitely one of the best priests I know.

You aren’t saying that you are right, yet you are saying that there is no way that you can picture yourself being wrong, so really you are saying you are right, don’t try and sugarcoat it.

 

[chrisb]

That is where monasticism came from, the eastern churches and eastern christians trying to seek perfection. The celibate clergy in the west comes from a confusing of the monastic life and its search for perfection with the sacredotal (presbyteral) life of service.

Are you saying that all are not called to perfection?

 

[Formosus]

I am saying that in Eastern theology, the monastic profession is the highest and most sure way to perfection that all Christians are called to.

 

[Madaglan]

Were any of the disciples the last married bishops?

Were there any married bishops after the disciples?

Who was the last married bishop?

The father of St. Gregory Nazianzus, one of the three Cappadocian Fathers, was married and became bishop in the early 4th century.

I believe several Popes of Rome also were married. Pope Hadrian II’s wife and daughter went with him to the Lateran when he was made Pope. He was 9th century.