[Arthur McGowan]

“Celibate” means unmarried.

“Continent” means not engaging in any sexual activity.

“Perpetual” means everlasting and uninterrupted.

In the Western Church, all clerics are bound to celibacy, with some exceptions (deacons, and some converts from other ecclesial bodies). All clerics are bound to perfect and perpetual continence.

All clerics promise celibacy at the time they are ordained a deacon. No cleric may contract a marriage after promising celibacy.

This should answer your questions. No cleric in the Western Church licitly engages in any sexual activity at any time.

[boatbums]

Thanks for the response.

Well, no, actually it doesn't answer my question totally. You previously stated:

It is CURRENT law in the Catholic Church that all clerics observe perfect, perpetual continence. This includes those who are permitted to be ordained even though married. I.e., it includes deacons, and those who have been ordained priests after converting from another ecclesial body.

And now you state:

In the Western Church, all clerics are bound to celibacy, with some exceptions (deacons, and some converts from other ecclesial bodies). All clerics are bound to perfect and perpetual continence.

So, deacons are an exception regarding "no sexual activity" ever...yes or no? The reason I ask is I know of Catholic deacons who are married and have children.