[frogjerk]

And how many married Catholic couples break their sacred wedding vows? Are they forgiven or branded with a scarlet letter for the rest of their lives?

You can only be forgiven if you are repentant. This priest will wear a scarlet letter of his own making if he doesn't repent and get back to his vocation. The priest is separating himself from the Church by committing the mortal sin.

[spectre]

Well, since we all fall short and no sin (except Mortal ones) is greater than the other, I trust God, that after a sincere act of contrition and penance, all is forgiven.

But then again..maybe I've watched the Thorn Birds a dozen times too many :)

sw