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It certainly is a more realistic goal than celibacy for priests

YOU think that being whole in marriage is a more realistic goal because you are/want to be married and believe this is what Jesus is calling you to in your life. There are many good and celibate priests who are comfortable, content AND WHOLE in their celibacy.

And what is a realistic goal? As Christians, we all believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead ... many atheists think we're lunatics because we "think" someone can rise from the dead. Many atheists think we're lunatics because we believe Jesus Christ is going to come again.

"realistic" to one person is far different than to someone else. I believe God calls people into their vocations if they are listening. I believe that there are some bad priests and nuns out there who have forsaken their vows or didn't mean them in the first place. They have a far higher authority to answer to than the secular media or court system. I also know there are many wonderful, devout and holy priests and nuns and lay religious people who are called to a variety of vocations, and some of them don't include sex as a perk.

God bless.

I am a married Catholic, not a priest, so I can't speak first hand, but I can't see why there is so much talk about celibacy as if it is impossible. Sure celibacy is very very difficult. However, so is being a navy seal or a firefighter or a Nascar driver. Certainly I would think the drive to avoid pain or protect one's life is as great as the need to have sex/a family. However, for many people the risk of death or injury etc, while it exists, is dealt with by a stronger desire to serve one's country, fellow man, or achieve fame and fortune.

A priest has to have a desire to do God's work that is great enough to overcome the temptation. The difference is, I couldn't get anywhere near being a navy seal with a normal fear of pain and sense of self preservation. Unfortunately, the priesthood has not been as selective.

Despite understaffed parishes and the shortage of priests, clearing out this element of the clergy will in the long run benefit the church. Vocations will increase when priests are more likely to be true role models worthy of respect and admiration. And celibacy in our culture of sex is just a "brave" and "tough" a life choice in its way as being a firefighter. Parents have been faced with too many crooked, effeminant, ineffectual, greedy, etc. priests in the last 30 years, its no wonder none would encourage their sons to think about vocations.

When you start showing me priest after priest in parish after parish that are worthy of admiration (ie strong, intelligent, tough, honest, faithful, masculine, and protective of tradition), you will start to see parents who will be proud to see their sons enter the priesthood.

It may have to get worse before it gets better.