With 24 hours in a day, what married man can devote eight days to nothing but prayer unless he is celibate? What married man can stay focused on God and take care of his family?
What married man can stay focused on your issues if he has issues with his wife and children? Yet I have known many an Orthodox priest who would be my first choice. I don't know how they do it and how their family makes it possible, but they did.
Because it has worked in the East, and because it is not without precedent in the Catholic West, I would think married priests in certain parishes would be beneficial.
I agree. And, I think the Church should set 35 as the minimum age for ordination for married men who present themselves for ordination, with 25 the minimum age for celibates.
We've had a good experience with married deacons, but they are all over 35 when ordained.