Archdiocese of New Orleans

[dgies9156]

When I asked how Protestant churches handle it, it was basically a rhetorical question.

My point is that nearly every other major organized religion allows their clergy to marry and have families, so it is definitely doable.

And just because their is a huge, arcane hierarchy to support currently in the Catholic church, it doesn't mean it has to stay that way.  I don't recall Jesus commanding his apostles to set it up like that.  But it probably won't change.

It will change when the priest shortage become so acute that the church becomes nonexistent in some areas.

Probably not in our lifetime, but it will happen.

[rocket surgeon]

goose-you make us MS boys proud to have you as a charter member-may God bless ya!  great topic for our next summit

[Goose]

Rocket

We have a lot of topics to discuss at the next summit.

[HouWarrior]

  Thanks for the high-quality collegial discussion on the elimination of celibacy.
Now there is coffee and doughnuts in the lobby for all

[LloydsLegs]

Just reading this thread.  Wonderful to see civility and thoughtful expression on what is such a difficult topic. Special applause to DG and Goose.

[Pakuni]

When I asked how Protestant churches handle it, it was basically a rhetorical question.

My point is that nearly every other major organized religion allows their clergy to marry and have families, so it is definitely doable.

And just because their is a huge, arcane hierarchy to support currently in the Catholic church, it doesn't mean it has to stay that way.  I don't recall Jesus commanding his apostles to set it up like that.  But it probably won't change.

I don't think anyone is suggesting it's impossible. Just suggesting it's going to be a challenge to find  young family men (or women) eager to work a full-time job and try to raise a family for compensation in the neighborhood of minimum wage. Even with a working spouse (and now you're talking about child care costs), there are plenty places where priests simply won't be able to afford living in the communities they serve. Tough raising a family anywhere on the North Shore on a priest's salary.

What you're more likely to see, IMO, is older people making a late-life career change after their kids have moved on and they've built up a bit of a nest egg. That's not necessarily a bad thing.

[Goose]

I am pretty sure the Church could compensate a married priest with a family. They have proven to have very deep pockets when they needed to pay off victims. I would gladly prove financial support to my parish if the money was being used properly.

[dgies9156]

One fascinating question that's arisen has been approaching priests for guidance or help on our everyday life. Some of you have said you can never trust a priest again and I understand that, given what's happened in our church. Given what's happened with some Protestant congregations, I'm sure some of our Protestant brothers and sisters are saying the same thing!

But the interesting link is the way the ordained ministry in our church reacts with the congregation at large and, frankly, whether most of these people have a clue what's happening on our side of the altar rail. I'm arguing, they don't!

Priests are few and parishes are big. So the notion that each household in a congregation is on a first name basis with the priests of the parish is quaint and also quite ridiculous. Unless you're a financial heavy hitter or extremely active in your parish, chance are none of the clergy knows you. Without that relationship, it's tough to rely on the ministry for anything other than canned advice from some resource parishes have.

Conversely, because Priests live in their own world, they are oblivious to the challenges the people of God face daily. Again, canned advice that doesn't really work.

At the very least, married men and ordained women will bring a broader perspective to Church leadership and better allow the church to serve its people. It will force our leadership into the community and ensure a real world perspective, especially if wives are working, children are griping and the dog needs to be put out!

[warriorchick]

I don't think anyone is suggesting it's impossible. Just suggesting it's going to be a challenge to find  young family men (or women) eager to work a full-time job and try to raise a family for compensation in the neighborhood of minimum wage. Even with a working spouse (and now you're talking about child care costs), there are plenty places where priests simply won't be able to afford living in the communities they serve. Tough raising a family anywhere on the North Shore on a priest's salary.

What you're more likely to see, IMO, is older people making a late-life career change after their kids have moved on and they've built up a bit of a nest egg. That's not necessarily a bad thing.

All I know is that the number of people (both men and women) who would consider the priesthood if it weren't for the whole celibacy thing is greater than zero.  If the church wants to survive, it needs to start considering its options.

[JWags85]

I don't think anyone is suggesting it's impossible. Just suggesting it's going to be a challenge to find  young family men (or women) eager to work a full-time job and try to raise a family for compensation in the neighborhood of minimum wage. Even with a working spouse (and now you're talking about child care costs), there are plenty places where priests simply won't be able to afford living in the communities they serve. Tough raising a family anywhere on the North Shore on a priest's salary.

What you're more likely to see, IMO, is older people making a late-life career change after their kids have moved on and they've built up a bit of a nest egg. That's not necessarily a bad thing.

Its fairly common for Protestant churches to have a pastor's house on the property (every one I was ever a member of growing up and all others in the communities were the same), so I wonder if a similar solution would need to be developed.  I'd think the salary is more palatable if you don't have housing costs involved.

[Pakuni]

All I know is that the number of people (both men and women) who would consider the priesthood if it weren't for the whole celibacy thing is greater than zero.  If the church wants to survive, it needs to start considering its options.

I'm not disagreeing with you.

[Goose]

dgies

I am very conflicted on my trust of Priests. While I am very disappointed in what has happened I really, really, really want to trust the words of a Priest. I guess I take the words with caution, but there definitely is comfort in their words. This is a struggle that I do not like having and try to find some level of trust. It really sucks that in mind that some guilt by association just won't go completely away.