Quote: In a practical sense, a priest enencumbered by a wife, children, mortgage, orthodontist payments, etc. can better attend to his flock. He can devote himself entirely to his calling. This choice is freely made by those men who feel 'called' to the priesthood.
I am a Catholic and think this is a bunch of bull. How do the other faiths get along with allowing their pastors to marry??
More important would be the question of why are the full Gospel, non denominaltion Christian churches growing by being filled with former Roman Catholics and former liberal main stream men and women?
The answer to that is simple, they, the Full Gospel Christian churches, base their practices and preachings on unadulterated Scripture.
Only last night, Marcus Grodi, a former Baptist minister and convert to the Catholic Church, was discussing this with his guest on The Journey Home. He repeatedly demonstrated how often, as a minister, he had to constantly weigh his family obligations against church obligations. It was oftentimes, a heavy burden, especially with 7 children to support. Keep in mind that protestant ministers do not have to contend with the volume of masses said in the RC Church, including Holy Days of Obligation. They don't hear confessions, or lead novenas.
I too am a catholic but attend an Eastern Catholic Church. Like many of the Eastern Rites, our church allows for married clergy. However, there are restrictions. Those who wish to serve as priests outside of their homeland, are chose from the celibate clergy. My pastor has chosen celibacy for the reasons I mentioned above. His schedule is such that he would not have time to properly devote to both his parishioners and his family.
Not as well as you might think.