[A.A. Cunningham]

Look up the difference between the vow of celibacy and the vow of chastity.

With regard to the Priesthood, there is no difference between a vow of celibacy and a promise of chastity.

Main Entry: cel·i·ba·cy
Pronunciation: \ˈse-lə-bə-sē\
Function: noun
Date: 1646
1: the state of not being married
2 a: abstention from sexual intercourse b: abstention by vow from marriage

Main Entry: chas·ti·ty
Pronunciation: \ˈchas-tə-tē\
Function: noun
Date: 13th century
1: the quality or state of being chaste: as a: abstention from unlawful sexual intercourse b: abstention from all sexual intercourse c: purity in conduct and intention d: restraint and simplicity in design or expression 2: personal integrity

[Kenny Bunk]

AA,
Celibacy, as your assiduous research has demonstrated, has a great deal more to do with the contracting of marriage, which is not to say it has nothing to do with sex. One, technically speaking of course, could thus be celibate, yet unchaste.

Chastity is all about sex, specifically, no sex, no way. Historically speaking, of course, one could be consummately married, i.e., non-celibate, yet later chaste by vow.

Of course, the priestly ideal combines celibacy and chastity. I also recommend it for Osprey pilots, keeps'em sharp.