[Hieronymus]

I wouldn’t let them near a Catechism or a teaching role with any discretion—but if they want to demonstrate faithfully doing public penance and reparation for sins, both their own and others, their certainly is a need. They also might lead the Rosary before Mass. I’d even be willing to let them serve as sub-deacons, if they are suitable—that would be a good thing to leave to the disceretion of the bishop. :)

[the invisib1e hand]

I talked at length one evening to an young ex-priest and his wife -- very nice folks. I was just converting back to Catholicism at the time. Life is not easy for them. I had no idea what the priesthood meant, or what matrimony meant, at that time.

For their sake, I try not to judge harshly, but my instinct is, "keep 'em away from any highly visible role," because I guess by that instinct I don't trust them. But I'm sure there's more to it all than I understand.

Could certainly be the fallout from the pressure being put on young people think "discern a calling." A sincere person can imagine/wish/hope/be persuaded that they're being called to something.

I also know a Sister -- a solemn and devout one -- who was not "invited" to renew her vows. So out she goes into the world, an "ex" nun -- would have no trouble trusting her.