Replies

I wanted to join the church of history.

The vast majority of Catholics wouldn't have a problem with those who are already members of the church of history, though married, being allowed candidacy for the priesthood, too.

The imposter appears.

The vast majority of Catholics wouldn't have a problem with those who are already members of the church of history, though married, being allowed candidacy for the priesthood, too.

The "vast majority of catholics" are clueless about the history of priestly celibacy.

For the benefit of non-catholics, here is the Catholic Church's teaching on the subject.

What the Catechism of the Catholic Church says on "Celibacy of the Clergy:"

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.' [Mt 19:12 .] Called to consecrate themselves with undivided heart to the Lord and to 'the affairs of the Lord,' [1 Cor 7:32 .] 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. [Cf. PO 16.]"

1580. "In the Eastern Churches a different discipline has been in force for many centuries: while bishops are chosen solely from among celibates, married men can be ordained as deacons and priests. This practice has long been considered legitimate; these priests exercise a fruitful ministry within their communities. [Cf. PO 16.] Moreover, priestly celibacy is held in great honor in the Eastern Churches and many priests have freely chosen it for the sake of the Kingdom of God. In the East as in the West a man who has already received the sacrament of Holy Orders can no longer marry."

1599. "In the Latin Church the sacrament of Holy Orders for the presbyterate is normally conferred only on candidates who are ready to embrace celibacy freely and who publicly manifest their intention of staying celibate for the love of God's kingdom and the service of men."

"Virgins, by the laying aside of all carnal affection, are imitators of God. For, if a man be only in name called holy, he is not holy; but he must be holy in everything: in his body and in his spirit. And those who are virgins rejoice at all times in becoming like God and His Christ, and are imitators of them." - Pope St. Clement of Rome ("Epistle Concerning Virginity" 1st century A.D.)

"The holy look of virginity is precious indeed in the judgment of all who make purity the test of beauty; but it belongs to those alone whose struggles to gain this object of a noble love are favoured and helped by the grace of God." - St. Gregory of Nyssa ("On Virginity" 4th century A.D.)

COMMENTS

Though it is not "forbidden" for the clergy to marry in the Christian religion, it is strongly recommended that one does not marry, if one is to be a priest or minister. I have read how Protestant minister's families have interfered in their religious duties. A Catholic priest does not have these concerns and can give God's work first priority.

The vast majority of Catholics wouldn't have a problem with those who are already members of the church of history, though married, being allowed candidacy for the priesthood, too.

You do not speak for the majority of Catholics.

Shocking though it may be to you, there are many of us conservative Catholics. The ratios simply depend on where you live.