This tread caught my attention and I’ve read through it. I’d like to add a few thoughts of my own. For those who don’t know me here on the forums, I am a Catholic priest serving in Eastern Montana and as a chaplain in the Air Force Reserve.
First thing to note is that the article is from Aug, '01 which was before 9/11 so the war stance of America magizine does not work as an arguement, but I agree that America has a bias.
Those who mentioned the idea of inviting the priest over have something there. Priests are a part of many families, but are often not included in what is going on. It is easy to leave the priest in the rectory, or in the case of the military, in his home and forget that they are there. Not everyone likes every priest they’ve had, but usually someone likes the priest who is in the parish. Make sure you encourage people to invite the priests they like to dinner, or out, sometime. (Did you do anything in your parish for
Priesthood Sunday last month?) After I was mobilized in Nov, '01 for eleven months, I had several military families who reached out to me as their priest to make sure I had plenty to do and to be a part of their families. Some of those families have even come to Montana to visit me. It would also be helpful to spend more time in prayer praying for vocations so priests are less likely to be assigned to parishes by themselves, or that they would have other priests who are assigned closer to their location. (When I am in my western parish, I am 85 miles from another priest. I’m 45 miles from a priest in my eastern parish.)
A life of prayer is important for priests. It helps them build that intimate relationship with God that is so important to their lives. If priests would go to the church or chapel when tempted, it would do a lot to prevent the “problems” that have been reported.
On the celibacy issue, I would not be able to serve my parish adequately if I had a family. I’ve seen the struggles that face many Protestant ministers with families. They have twice as many extended family emergencies that take them away from their parishes (two extended families once they get married). They also have a boat load of immediate family problems – wives who are sick, children who are sick, teachers that must be visited, family issues, etc. Celibacy truly is a benefit to the church and understanding celibacy as a gift from God instead of a burden makes a difference in the outlook by the priests and the people they serve. Seminaries today have been doing a better job helping priests see this gift.
Some priests are just naturally more outgoing and appear flirty. That does not mean they don’t take their promises seriously. It means they like having fun with people.
I hope this give you all some insight from a priest on the issues.
