[tuesday afternoon]

A vocal group of homosexuals and their supporters in the priesthood and hierarchy have been advocating that the inspection of seminaries should focus on the issue of “celibacy” rather than homosexuality. This is seen by many as a smokescreen and a convenient back door for bishops who hesitate to support the Catholic teaching which has long been that homosexual men may not be ordained.

Vatican Says No Homosexuals in Priesthood – Approved by Pope Benedict

[sinkspur]

Fine. Witch hunt homosexual celibates. While you're at it, why not witch hunt celibates who drink more than three beers a day? Or, why not witch hunt celibates who like midnight pizza runs and who can barely button their size 46 waist pants?

The Catholic Church will have who it decides to have as priests. Meanwhile, Catholic Churches all over America, and all over the world, figure out how to maintain a Christian community without a resident priest.

Once that happens, young men and women will be inspired to become lay leaders of parishes, canonically deputized to do everything but hear confessions and celebrate the Eucharist, as deacons currently do. In fact, some will become deacons.

If the hierarchy decides that it wants circuit rider priests, ala South America, then laymen will assume Church leadership. The Catholic community WILL thrive, with or without resident priests.