Why do you think few men want to be priests?

[latingirl]

Most men in America and in the West generally, do not want to be priests because growing up they are saturated with sexual images and messages that encourage permiscuousity and denounce celebacy. Chastity in modern culture is seen as “nerdy” and “efeminate” if a man has lots of sex, he is a maqcho stud. Men are taught not to respect their virginity and not really to encourage any one else’s . For a man to turn away from the altar of sex, is a complete taboo in America. It requires such a sacrifice that isn’t ingrained in them from an early age. Young men simply do not learn to sacrifice something that feels “so good”

 

[notredame_999]

I do not think celibacy can be considered the only reason why a man may not wish to become a priest. As an Eastern Catholic, celibacy is only an option for me if I were to enter seminary, and yet the thought of doing so is still frightening. The calling to be a priest is such an overwhelming responsibility that many a great saint fled mobs who asked them to become ordained.

Sure its not the only reason but its definetly a reason

 

[dswearin]

As for the time for family and time for ministry…Protestant pastors have done it successfully (though there are those who wrongly sacrifice family for ministry) for hundreds of years. Is time management really a good argument? The Eastern-Rite Catholics do it, and so do the Orthodox. I myself would love to be a priest in due time, but I know that I am not ready for such a calling (only 25, married with young children and only now becoming Catholic).

 

[The_Reginator]

Accepting celibacy is not a new problem. Men have always had to weigh this as a factor before accepting the call to the priesthood.

I’m sure that celibacy is not the problem. Changes in societal values is a bigger issue. The Church must find ways to encourage men to become priests. Maybe a Mass that is closer to the EF might help. (See my earlier post, number 7.)

 

[Deefraz]

As a priest his bride is the church, and he has eyes for no one else. The church must come first in a priest’s life, and he loves her and does everything for her as a good spouse would do. I also accept all the church teaches, which means allowing converted married ministers to become priests. I don’t know enough about the requirements outlined by the church that allows this to happen, but I think it is the exception rather than the rule. I believe God calls everyone to his church. I also believe His intent was clear in Jesus that most optimally priests should live single, celibate lives. Does that mean married priests are less holy or less priests than those who are not? I don’t think so. But I also don’t think it means that all men who become priests should be allowed to marry.

 

[Bob_Aliano]

Possibilities to answer the OP:

Celibacy is not inviting
Living an unmarried life with no children is not something many men want
Less people are well-catechized than in the past, fewer learned men as candidates
Huge stigma attached to being a priest nowdays with gays and sex predators abounding
Vatican II watered down the Church and made it less dignified, full of majesty and the dignified days of the Tridentine Mass and old ways are gone

Oh come on now!

There is no possible I could devote my life to Jesus as a priest and put up with a wife and children as well; as scripture states, we cannot serve two masters.

Many of us considered and prayed for guidance when we were altar boys (pre-VII real altar boys), few were called and not all who were called answered, I never heard the calling.

No real man would be swayed by this so-called stigma if he recognized his calling and accepted.

The “old ways” are not gone, there are plenty of opportunities to remain in the Tridentine tradition through such as the FSSP. There is no reason a priest should ever consider the OF undignified or less dignified unless he practices his vocation in an undignified manner, sadly several do.

 

[Formosus]

As a priest his bride is the church, and he has eyes for no one else. The church must come first in a priest’s life, and he loves her and does everything for her as a good spouse would do. I also accept all the church teaches, which means allowing converted married ministers to become priests. I don’t know enough about the requirements outlined by the church that allows this to happen, but I think it is the exception rather than the rule. I believe God calls everyone to his church. I also believe His intent was clear in Jesus that most optimally priests should live single, celibate lives. Does that mean married priests are less holy or less priests than those who are not? I don’t think so. But I also don’t think it means that all men who become priests should be allowed to marry.

Your opinion is conflicted. You can’t say that its most optimal, and then say that married clergy are still as holy and not less priests. When you say that celibacy is most optimal, you are infact saying that celibate priests are better priests and that married clergy are lesser. I can tell you that some of the best priests I have ever met have been married priests. My own pastor is a married priest with many kids who directly manages two missions that are 3 hours apart and oversees all the Ukrainian Catholic missions in Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Kentucky ( a total of 5 or 6 missions all together). Yet he is married with many kids. I do not mean to turn this discussion into one on clerical celibacy, but anyone who thinks that the lack of vocations is just something related to celibacy or sexual activity is not considering the entire picture of what it means to be a priest.

 

[JHow]

Most men in America and in the West generally, do not want to be priests because growing up they are saturated with sexual images and messages that encourage permiscuousity and denounce celebacy. Chastity in modern culture is seen as “nerdy” and “efeminate” if a man has lots of sex, he is a maqcho stud. Men are taught not to respect their virginity and not really to encourage any one else’s . For a man to turn away from the altar of sex, is a complete taboo in America. It requires such a sacrifice that isn’t ingrained in them from an early age. Young men simply do not learn to sacrifice something that feels “so good”

Yikes! Back up a second. You are throwing an awful lot of men under the bus here. The playboy or the gigolo are not idealized by most men. Men admire guys who shoot straight, mean what they say, and standup for what’s right. The schoolyard and locker room hierarchies are based on your willingness to stand up for yourself, not how many women you have had. Guys will respect a virgin who can’t be pushed around.

You are correct, though, that men find “effeminate” things off-putting. My personal opinion is that some priests appear effeminate, not because of physical characteristics or mannerisms (and certainly not celibacy), but rather because in their homilies, conversations, letters, penance assigned, etc. they come off as wishy-washy, afraid to take a stand. The best ones have a spine and you know it. Take the example of Jerzy Popieluszko - as a man, he was small, not physically imposing at all, but his sermons pushed the communists over the edge. Boys - men - will be attracted to something if they know it’s an adventure (like the Navy used to say).

 

[edward_george]

Your opinion is conflicted. You can’t say that its most optimal, and then say that married clergy are still as holy and not less priests. When you say that celibacy is most optimal, you are infact saying that celibate priests are better priests and that married clergy are lesser. I can tell you that some of the best priests I have ever met have been married priests. My own pastor is a married priest with many kids who directly manages two missions that are 3 hours apart and oversees all the Ukrainian Catholic missions in Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Kentucky ( a total of 5 or 6 missions all together). Yet he is married with many kids. I do not mean to turn this discussion into one on clerical celibacy, but anyone who thinks that the lack of vocations is just something related to celibacy or sexual activity is not considering the entire picture of what it means to be a priest.

I’m with Formosus on this one. I have met several married priests–both Latin and Eastern–and all are phenomenal priests. There can be nothing lesser about married priesthood compared to celibate priesthood.

At the same time, you must also realize that yes, there is a marital, fatherly dimension to celibate priesthood. A celibate does not deny his masculinity or his innate desire to be a father, but rather directs that toward a different end than he would have if he had gotten married. That said, I don’t think celibacy is the most important reason that few men want to be priests these days. I think it stems from much broader issues–issues with maturity, commitment, and a lack of faith. There is a distressing number of young Catholics these days who do not know their faith and do not practice it with the vigor and devotion that their grandparents’ generation may have. In order to enter into the kind of committed service to Christ and His Church that the priesthood demands, one must be very much devoted and knowledgeable in ways that some young men simply are not these days.

-ACEGC

 

[Deefraz]

I’m with Formosus on this one. I have met several married priests–both Latin and Eastern–and all are phenomenal priests. There can be nothing lesser about married priesthood compared to celibate priesthood.

At the same time, you must also realize that yes, there is a marital, fatherly dimension to celibate priesthood. A celibate does not deny his masculinity or his innate desire to be a father, but rather directs that toward a different end than he would have if he had gotten married. That said, I don’t think celibacy is the most important reason that few men want to be priests these days. I think it stems from much broader issues–issues with maturity, commitment, and a lack of faith. There is a distressing number of young Catholics these days who do not know their faith and do not practice it with the vigor and devotion that their grandparents’ generation may have. In order to enter into the kind of committed service to Christ and His Church that the priesthood demands, one must be very much devoted and knowledgeable in ways that some young men simply are not these days.

-ACEGC

I completely agree that celibacy is only a facet in the issue of declining vocations. But I also don’t see the conflict in saying that celibacy is preferred as a priest. Practically speaking it leaves them free to serve the church without any conflict from family. It does not speak poorly of married priests, nor does it deny the fatherly dimension of celibate priests. My understanding is that married priests were members of another faith who practiced as ministers, and through conversion have been allowed to continue religious life. What a joy to have them in the church. However, for those who are unmarried Catholics discerning the priesthood, the church teaches that there is a reason for celibacy.

"1579 All the ordained ministers of the Latin Church, with the exception of permanent deacons, are normally chosen from among men of faith who live a celibate life and who intend to remain celibate "for the sake of the kingdom of heaven."70 Called to consecrate themselves with undivided heart to the Lord and to "the affairs of the Lord,"71 they give themselves entirely to God and to men. Celibacy is a sign of this new life to the service of which the Church’s minister is consecrated; accepted with a joyous heart celibacy radiantly proclaims the Reign of God.72 "

 

[MarianD]

Most men in America and in the West generally, do not want to be priests because growing up they are saturated with sexual images and messages that encourage permiscuousity and denounce celebacy. Chastity in modern culture is seen as “nerdy” and “efeminate” if a man has lots of sex, he is a maqcho stud. Men are taught not to respect their virginity and not really to encourage any one else’s . For a man to turn away from the altar of sex, is a complete taboo in America. It requires such a sacrifice that isn’t ingrained in them from an early age. Young men simply do not learn to sacrifice something that feels “so good”

You’d be surprised how many people around my age and older say “I wish I had waited” and “Losing your virginity isn’t as great as it sounds”.

I know someone who lost his a couple of months ago. A week after he did, he told me “Save it for as a long as you can cause it’s not worth losing”. He’s one of those Jersey Shore types who love women and certainly isn’t religious, but even he knows that virginity is precious and sex isn’t something that one should go around doing because they want to.

Yes, people make fun of others for being virgins. But these people are the same ones who are virgins themselves, and simply lie for the sake of covering themselves from others who, you guessed it, lie for the sake of covering themselves. The misconception that America’s youth is obsessed with sex is a result of the misconception among America’s youth who think others having sex 24/7.

So I don’t think that it’s young people hating virginity, but rather the thought of never having a wife or family is the problem.

 

[TheresaLS]

Sacrifice is not something that many want to live out today. My son is in the seminary and we have seen growth due to the joy that is exhibited by the bishop and priests in this diocese. Always remember God calls men to a vocation and if denied I wonder what God will say when that man faces Our Maker…

 

[notredame_999]

Sacrifice is not something that many want to live out today. My son is in the seminary and we have seen growth due to the joy that is exhibited by the bishop and priests in this diocese. Always remember God calls men to a vocation and if denied I wonder what God will say when that man faces Our Maker…

so basically if you’re a young orthodox catholic who frequents the sacraments frequently, if you don’t enter the seminary you will go to hell.

Every week it seems like in my parish priests and religious talk about vocations. They drill it into us.

 

[MarianD]

so basically if you’re a young orthodox catholic who frequents the sacraments frequently, if you don’t enter the seminary you will go to hell.

Every week it seems like in my parish priests and religious talk about vocations. They drill it into us.

I know for a fact that’s not what the Church teaches. What you ultimately do in terms of vocations is not what sends you to Hell. Just because God calls you to the priesthood and you say “no thanks” doesn’t mean He’ll say “no thanks” on Judgment Day.

 

[TheresaLS]

so basically if you’re a young orthodox catholic who frequents the sacraments frequently, if you don’t enter the seminary you will go to hell.

Every week it seems like in my parish priests and religious talk about vocations. They drill it into us.

Did I say that you would “go to hell”…no that is not what I mean. What I was trying to say was that we of today do not like sacrifice. We get what we want on our own terms and if the terms do not benefit us we change the rules. Look at our nation…for that matter look at our Church. When I talk to mothers about opening the door to the priesthood to their sons many point out will never give them grandchildren…or some other selfish reason.

God will judge each of us one day…for it is He who gives us our purpose.

 

[sidbrown]

Sacrifice is not something that many want to live out today…

That is true, but it has always been true and still there have been men wanting to make the sacrifice and become priests.
There is something a bit different today in addition to sacrifice.
It is that there are reports of serious immoral problems in the Catholic seminaries and there are reports of strange and immoral things happening in the Catholic clerical world.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

Did I say that you would “go to hell”…no that is not what I mean. What I was trying to say was that we of today do not like sacrifice.

What and marriage doesn’t require sacrifice? You think parents have it easy raising a family? I for one feel the utmost gratitude towards my own for providing me (and my other three siblings) with clothes, a roof, a decent education… all to the point that I feel guilty whenever I don’t feel like I’m doing much to show that gratitude.

We get what we want on our own terms and if the terms do not benefit us we change the rules. Look at our nation…for that matter look at our Church. When I talk to mothers about opening the door to the priesthood to their sons many point out will never give them grandchildren…or some other selfish reason.

Keeping the human race alive and active is not a selfish reason. Neither is having someone to pass on your teachings, your beliefs, and your religion down to the next generation.

God will judge each of us one day…for it is He who gives us our purpose.

And what makes you think he intended a grand majority of single men and women for that purpose? The way I see it, its actually more logical to have fewer people taking up religious vocations. If a majority of people took up celibacy, it’d be a matter of time before we died out as a species due to lack of reproduction.

 

[CDNowak]

Accepting celibacy is not a new problem. Men have always had to weigh this as a factor before accepting the call to the priesthood.

I’m sure that celibacy is not the problem. Changes in societal values is a bigger issue. The Church must find ways to encourage men to become priests. Maybe a Mass that is closer to the EF might help. (See my earlier post, number 7.)

You are correct, though, that men find “effeminate” things off-putting. My personal opinion is that some priests appear effeminate, not because of physical characteristics or mannerisms (and certainly not celibacy), but rather because in their homilies, conversations, letters, penance assigned, etc. they come off as wishy-washy, afraid to take a stand. The best ones have a spine and you know it. Take the example of Jerzy Popieluszko - as a man, he was small, not physically imposing at all, but his sermons pushed the communists over the edge. Boys - men - will be attracted to something if they know it’s an adventure (like the Navy used to say).

Good points in both these posts. Personally, as someone who is on the verge of giving up priestly discernment, these two things have been a factor (although I certainly cannot preclude the mannerisms of priests, particularly priest-professors as having a negative effect on my discernment).

 

[TheresaLS]

Without priests we have no Church.

Marriage is a vocation…as is the single life. God calls us each of us. Yes there have been abuses in the Church just as there have been abuses in families since the beginning of time.

…you know…the arguments are ones you people should be taking up with God. He gave us this Church…this gift through love and SACRIFICE. God bless us all!

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

…you know…the arguments are ones you people should be taking up with God.

Yet you’re the one posting on the presumption that people who don’t choose priesthood don’t know what sacrifice is about. I don’t take up my arguments with God because He’s not the one making the statements on these threads, you are.

He gave us this Church…this gift through love and SACRIFICE. God bless us all!

Without priests we have no Church.

So? What does that have to do with a statistical ratio of priests vs married? Is the Church so short of hands to demand that a grand majority of the population turn celibate?

Like it or not, there will always be more married people needed to sustain a population compared to how many priests are needed to attend to that population. Nuff said.