You really think there are that many? If so, think of the immense good that 3,750 mature, committed priests could do for this country. The only thing that's holding the Catholic Church back from this blessing is the adherence of so many to a tired old man-made rule that has no basis in the Bible or the early Church.This reminds me of the story of the rich young ruler who wanted eternal life from Jesus but didn't want to give up the shiny trinkets he had collected. Why won't the Catholic Church give up its tarnished trinket of enforced priestly celibacy? Is this little bauble worth more than the blessings of God?
Actually, it won't be giving it up.
Celibacy will be embraced by those who are called to it, and those with ambition to the episcopacy. I don't realistically think the Church would do anything more than adopt the Eastern Rite practice, which is married priests, and celibate bishops.
Celibacy is simply not something that most men are called to.
And, yes, I think there are EASILY 4,000 married deacons who would go on to the priesthood. And, given the position many of the more mature men are in, it would NOT be a financial burden on the Church.