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I have a man doctor that gives me advice on periods, etc. He has never personally experienced menstruation. That doesn't mean he doesn't know what he is talking about.

But his knowledge is only by the book, not by personal experience. There IS a difference, which is why I refuse to have a male gynocologist.

I'm thankful that priests are not married. Their lives are devoted to God, prayer and the parish. They don't have wives, in-laws, children, etc. to take them away from their work. Being a priest is a very demanding job.

Again, I would say that since most priests have little real-life experience with issues of sex, marriage, childbirth, child rearing, etc., their advise doesn't mean much to me. Advise and counsel from someone who has actually "been there and done that" is a lot more meaningful.

Titus 2:3-5 states, "Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored."

My point in quoting this text is that even Paul (who was not married) understood that men, celibate ones in particular, have no business giving out martial advise to women. That's why he counseled Titus to find godly older women to do that job.

"But his knowledge is only by the book, not by personal experience. There IS a difference, which is why I refuse to have a male gynocologist."

Just because you would not be comfortable with a male doctor does not mean he is not competent. My priest knows his scripture and aptly applies it to our lives. His guidance in our family has literally been a God-send. I'm sure there are others that could guide us but the priest knows our family and can help us on a more personal level. You personally may not need the help of a priest but there are so many of us that benefit from them. Don't discount the temendous work that they do.

Advise and counsel from someone who has actually "been there and done that" is a lot more meaningful.

I've really "been there and done that". Married 17 1/2 years, four kids, changed countless diapers, been in the delivery room with my wife for all four births, been up in the middle of the night cleaning vomit off the rug, you name it, I've done. (Except for giving birth and nursing, and I don't really have that option.)

Don't contracept. Use NFP, and be generous in giving life.

Advise and counsel from someone who has actually "been there and done that" is a lot more meaningful.

One of my favorite priests at my Church is a grandfather. He entered the seminary as a young man, dropped out, married, raised children, had grandchildren, became widowed, re-entered the seminary and is now ordained a priest. He has lots of experience in marriage and child-rearing.

Interestingly enough, his advice on the catechism is the same as his fellow priests without the experience.