[OrionSeven]

We must be careful with the use of the word "celibacy", as it often refers only to those taking a vow "not to marry". As I read it, one can be "celibate" and still practice sexual activities.

See below from:
http://www.catholic-ew.org.uk/faith/living/celibacy.htm

Celibacy
The Church sees great value in the way of life of those who renounce marriage so that they can dedicate themselves to serving the kingdom of God. For spiritual as well as practical reasons, the Catholic Church in the West also requires priests and bishops to live lives of permanent celibacy, unless they have been given special dispensation.

Definition
The dictionary definition speaks of a celibate person as someone who is not married and is bound or committed to remaining unmarried (so while two people who are engaged, for example, are not married, they are not committed to remaining unmarried).

The word 'celibacy' is often confused today with 'chastity', which means "abstaining from unlawful or immoral sexual activity" (Oxford English Dictionary). Strictly speaking, the word 'celibacy' does not govern sexual activity. So, while some people may be technically celibate, they may be having sexual relations and yet are committed to remaining unmarried. Nonetheless, many will describe themselves as 'celibate' because they are not having sex, when strictly they mean they are 'chaste'.

[lp boonie]

Interesting--I hadn't seen that interpretation before, make sense. Priest can't marry as a vow of celibacy. They can't have sex outside of marriage (though shall not commit adultery) so in the case of a Priest, a vow of celibacy is the same as a vow of no sex. In other words, they could be true to the vow of celibacy and have sex (home or hetero)but at that moment they have committed a mortal sin--just as bad as breaking the celibacy vow (maybe worse in the eyes of the Church). Now a non-Priest could take a vow of celibacy and still be sexually active. The point being celibacy and spiritual reflection would not necessarily be an antidote to homosexual tendencies (outside the Priesthood). Chastity and spiritual reflection could be. A subtle but important distinction--a homosexual could be claiming celibacy and really just saying they won't marry.

[saradippity]

You are correct and the dissidents and progressives have long been very crafty in using the word "celibate" with a big wink to their oh-so,knowing confreres in the lavender mafia and their sympathizers. They nod sagely and agree that celibacy is good,knowing full well they have no intention to marry,never had and never will. They prefer "intimate" relationships with those of the same sex,any old age,it seems. Well,actually younger is better,like teenagers for example.

I always use the term "chaste,celibate" when describing qualifications for the priesthood. Just to be sure there is no mistake on the front end of a discussion.