Could the Celibacy Requirement Change?
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- Опубликовано: 15 окт 2024
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Dear Fr Casey,
For a long time I was an atheist, but I converted to Christianity in the form of Protestantism last year. I then became very interested in Catholicism and your channel has helped me understand and love the faith so much! I have recently joined an RCIA programme. People like you make the Catholic church far less intimidating for me.
Same with me
Saint Didacus pray for those entering RCIA!
Dont look on the christian sect but read the Gospels Mathew , mark, luke , John and try to implement in your daily life. Holyspirit will guide you and you will always feel hand of God on you
I was also an atheist, then became protestant. Although i loved going to protestant churches and I loved the community there, when I learned about Catholicism I felt the fulness of it, and later became Catholic about 10 years ago. It was a tough journey, but I dont regret it. I am now married to a Catholic woman which I believe was God’s plan which also strengthened my faith.
I just finished RCIA last year (from being Protestant)! It's a wonderful thing! Good luck on your journey!!
I am a Roman Catholic by birth and my wife is an Eastern Catholic by birth. Because of that we belong to more than on parish and are active in both. I find that the married eastern Catholic priests have a much better understanding of what married family life (marriage, children, family) is really like compared to the many of Roman Catholic priests. There are just some things in life one has to experience to really understand. Always enjoy your videos!!😊
When it comes to missionary work. The Roman rite did a better job of spreading the faith around the world. That is why the Roman rite is the largest rite in the Catholic Church and the Catholic Church is the largest Christian Church in the world. Having celibate clergy has an advantage of spreading the faith. Jesus Christ knows who will serve him better in spreading his gospel. That is why he chose the celibate Saint Paul to spread the gospel to the world.
thank you for sharing with us these information and i just know that Eastern Catholic allowed their to priest to married and have family life similar to other denomination. We keep pray to everyone of them in their vocation life that bring the Gospel and His Word to other life.
@@jejakaberharga689 The Eastern tradition allows for married priests only if he is already a married man when he becomes a priest. If a man becomes a priest while single, he is expected to remain celibate.
@@AICW Is he simply expected to remain celibate? Or required?
Dude! 😃 Not only did you search out the history of the practice, but you explained it with great clarity; including the potential that the policy could change in the future with both its benefits and drawbacks. Such exposition is a gift to us and we praise God for Him putting you into the position He has!
❤🙏Amen
I personally know a married priest. He was an ordained priest in the Anglican faith. He was converted to Catholicism and ordained a Catholic priest. He has to attend the Vatican periodically. He is one of the best priests I have ever known. The fact he is married and has 2 children humanises him in my opinion
Is that possible?
@@melgpierre 100% but don’t take my word for it 👍🏻
@melgpierre
Yes, in 2009 I recall, the vatican allowed for an exception to the chastity rule in a deal with several Anglican priests who wished to be roman catholic
Celibacy is an incredibly powerful force for the human body.
I also know a few Jain and Buddhist monks in India who have been celibate since birth. They exhibit remarkable calmness, emotional strength, freedom from anxiety and acute stress, high energy levels for physical movements, exceptional control over their senses and thoughts, and an iron-clad discipline. This state is profoundly empowering.
As celibacy has been associated with religion, many people see it as a "forced or unnatural" pratice, disregarding the benefits.
Perhaps
But the human condition agenda's diversity. About 1:10 folk are emotionally asexual. They contribute greatly to society even if this can be a tough life. Others choose not to have families(children). I don't understand the latter even if I know such is full of pain.
Regarding priest sexual predilections, it would be impossible to demonstrate. Any psychology assessment of sexuality would show up sexual anomalies: that indicates limits of such tests, not that priests are deviant.
However, I am confident that typical priests would have low libido/sexual interests. That would be a key part in them choosing such a vocation. The priests I have know who left were all to marry someone: none left over any spiritual crisis or to convert to Methodism.
@@russellmiles2861 Well written Sir. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I was just absorbed into it.
I have a question, sir.
Can young men choosing celibacy, and living a life of solitude feel miserable/regretful in later years of life? Why is it so difficult to win over our senses. How do some young men do it despite their natural high libido?
Those are human teaching religions, read our old testament then you'll know that is not our God's teaching: even Moses, a married man, can meet God face to face.
I don't believe that abstinence is realistic or even possible, so it becomes a bit of a fib?
Thank you for bringing up the Eastern Church's practice. There are many of us Eastern Catholics who often feel like our married priests are insulted whenever this is brought up.
I'm not sure why an Eastern Catholic would be any less insulted by this video, even though they're mentioned. At 4:55, he refers to priests "openly living with their wives" as an example (along with concubinage) of "moral depravity taking over the priesthood".
@@danielwbader I think the moral depravity is referring to concubines and also breaking the laws of the Church at the time (disobedience). However Father did sometimes say "Catholic" when I think he meant to say "Western/ Latin"
@@dansedevie123 He meant what he said. The entire argument is premised on the idea that any sexual activity, including married sexual activity, renders a man no longer "pure", a term that he uses twice, at both 4:23 and 7:38. *Only* continence renders a man "pure", not marital chastity. He's saying that chastity is insufficient for purity. This is both what motivated the original discipline and it is a working premise in Father's video.
@@danielwbader And right after at 5:08 he mentions that the Eastern Church relax it's laws allowing married men to be priests. While I personally would have wanted more detail, getting a shout-out already helps bring knowledge to many who don't know it's a practice that exists.
There's a lot of built up resentment due in part to misunderstanding on practices of the East (infant communion and married priests for example). And for me at least, I'll take whatever is given in helping educate and catechize on the entire Church and the practices of the Eastern Catholic Churches.
Eastern rites can get married
Priests and bishops are better off. Dating in the modern world today is an absolute nightmare. I honestly think it would seriously interfere with their happiness and spiritual growth.
I do think that if it were to change most would stay celibate and the married clergy would probably become clergy after marriage.
If anyone can answer this because Fr. Casey didn't address it: Why can deacons get married? In Fr. Casey's words that was banned by the church so when did they change that and why?
To be honest? Yeah. Once I realised how awful it was getting the idea of giving it all up for a life of serving God started sounding better and better.
Keeps sounding better.
Originally church elders were to be selected specifically for having long and virtuous marriages.
All the pastors I know are all married with children. It does not interfere at all with their happiness, spiritual growth , nor their ability to pastor.
Instead, it increases their happiness, and spiritual growth
My pastors kids are delightful young men with wives and families of their own now. I am glad they exist. However, being a pastors wife is as much a vocation as is the office of pastor. I agree that dating is a nightmare, it's always been rough but smart phones and date apps make it almost impossible.
That's the dating part though but if they find a decent wife I'd say it is better they are married, for them and for their congregation. My pastors wife is really quiet, especially at church, she never talks. Though she will talk afterwards when people are socializing. She has never interfered in the church at all.
There might be something to the idea of being married before becoming a priest.. Only because a single priest, who is out in the dating game, might be too distracted. All the pastors I know seem to have been married before attending seminary. I think having a wife should be a requirement.
Excellent summary. As some of the comments note, more discussion of the Roman Church’s recent experience with former Anglican/ Episcopalian married priests now ordained as Catholic priests would be helpful in assessing the validity of the “no distractions” argument, which I, and the Eastern church, think is very weak. Married doctors get out of bed at 3 am to deliver babies; married priests can do the same to visit the dying. As you point out, St Peter was married and he was Jesus’ first choice. Maybe he should be the model for diocesan priests. St Paul, who was not one of the apostles, wasn’t married. Maybe he should be the model for religious order priests living in community. Seems obvious both should be allowed to coexist and that we have tied ourselves up in theological knots since then.
From reading his epistles, it appears that Paul had woman issues.
@@dgeos4740 Many unmarried priests have woman issues as well which is well documented.
You're a theologian in your own mind, my guy.
It's not about "No distractions". The requirement of celibacy is not dogma; it is an ecclesiastical law that was adopted in the Middle Ages because Rome was worried that clerics' children would inherit church property and create dynasties.
I totaly agree. The office of priesthood is something very intimate and sacrificial.
I saw you in Dublin on Sunday safely crossing the road. I was driving Welcome to Dublin,enjoy
I’m Eastern Orthodox and I like the fact that I can get some advice on family life from my priest :)
I like the way it is now at my church: a future priest can choose either path (celibacy or marriage) and be useful to the parish in the state he is called to by God
This seems to imply that a) a specific person is especially suited to giving marriage and family advice simply because he is married with a family and b) a specific person is especially unsuited to giving marriage and family advice simply because he is unmarried without a family.
@@myguitardidyermom212Yes, experience is important for giving advice.
@@myguitardidyermom212yes there is a reason no one takes unmarried or childless rabbis seriously (I’m Jewish), how can you possibly pretend to be qualified to give advice about spouses or children without having any personal experience l?
@@myguitardidyermom212of course that is the case.
@BA-mf4gi are you saying that Orthodox priests AREN’T called to spiritual fatherhood?
Priests of the Eastern Catholic Church can be married. They must be married before ordination. But once ordained they can not marry, so if their wife dies, they can not remarry.
In some cases married Anglican priests convert to Catholicism and are allowed to be ordained. As with Byzantines, they may not marry once ordained. Permanent deacons can also be married before ordination. A deacon whose wife dies may petition to remarry, and sometimes this is granted.
There are no valid Orders in Anglicanism, so no Priesthood. Vicar converts have to be ordained in the Catholic Church in order to become a Priest. Blame the Reformation.
But the Orthodox choose Bishops and patriarchs from those unmarried. They have a two tiered system
@@russellmiles2861 It's the same with Eastern Catholics. Our bishops come from the monastic priesthood, who are celebate.
That is required of Deacon's too I think. But what happens with support and money and insurance with these married priests? Who pays especially with less going to church, to support them if not "working" at regular jobs like Deacons.
"Sometimes this is granted" -- when?
If they're laicized, then they should no longer function as deacons...I would consider it scandalous.
That was a long research made into a brief relatable video! Thank you for sharing Father!
I’m of two minds here.
Part of me loves keeping tradition.
The other part feels that maybe allowing holy marriage could lead to less scandals to the church and clergy.
I pray the Holy Spirit guides the church to the best outcome.
hmm maybe it will cause more scandals, we don’t know unless we try
According to crime TV, true pedophiles are going to offend no matter what their situation is.
In my Orthodox parish the priest is married. His family is a blessing to the church. One of his daughters has become a nun, another sings in the choir, and his wife organizes events and fundraisers. I don't mean to disparage the Western practice only to give an anecdote on the Eastern practice.
Thanks for sharing brother!!
Much love from an Irish Catholic ❤
How do they handle money? Does the wife work? If a family is large, I wondered how many smaller churches could afford to pay/support the priests and kids and insurance since it's so expensive.
@@deb9806 I think she does have to work which is the case for most small parishes in the United States. However with the church growing hopefully this will not continue to be the case.
Thank you for having Inigo Montoya make a cameo in this video 🤠
My mom was a cook for priest for all of my life until like 4 years ago, but I will always remember her saying that it would be very difficult for priest to be married just because of how busy they are. I don't think most people realize all the things that a priest does on a daily basis between things like daily mass, pre marriage counseling, meeting with congregation etc. It's all stuff behind the scenes that many of us wouldn't think about.
I doubt they are busier than most neurosurgeons or trial lawyers.
I thought priests and bishops were always forbidden from marriage until watching the last kingdom when father beocca gets married. Then I went down a rabbit hole reading about it. It’s very interesting stuff. I respect you and all church fathers for the sacrifices you make. Thank you for all that you do!
32 I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the affairs of the Lord, how to please the Lord; 33 but the married man is anxious about worldly affairs, how to please his wife, 34 and his interests are divided. And the unmarried woman or girl is anxious about the affairs of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit; but the married woman is anxious about worldly affairs, how to please her husband. 35 I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.
1 Corinthians 7:32-35
And if the woman is anxious neither for holiness nor for pleasing her husband, then she is the wrong woman.
Seems like if you marry your interests are divided. This passage makes it sound bad to marry.
What a fantastic, serious and objective video. Kudos.
Father, with all due respect, I really wish you'd stop making the blanket statement "the Catholic Church" when speaking on subjects pertaining only to The Latin Catholic Church. Aa a Ukrainian Greek Catholic, this sort of statement, even after you make an aside about Eastern practices, makes us sound like we're somehow not fully Catholic, because we don't practice the same way the Latin West does. Such statements make us sound inferior, and that's not right. We are just as Catholic as you, and no better or worse. It saddens me every time someone with good intentions is attempting to catechize, but doesn't give the best, most well rounded catechesis, but only settles for a one-sided view. 😥😥😥
It did sound weird, I must say.
Syro Malabar here. We were No.3, after the Latin rite and the Ukrainian rite. By 2025, we should be No.2.
I think Father might just want to mention that it was universally accepted by both the West and East thus the entire Catholic Church for some period of time, but was later pivoted due to the reasons he provided.
We had an ex Anglican married priest in charge of our parish for 10 years. He was one of the best priests we've ever had, the congregation increased in his time. But I still can't see any reason to change the rule, because if you look at the Church of England, there is no net advantage in having married priests, what you gain in some ways you lose in others.
This would split the church even more than what it is today. I also know people who grew up with a dad who was a protestant minister. They had a miserable childhood as the people always came first. Many times they went to bed starving, there was no food in the house.
I enjoy your videos. As a member of the Ordinariate, we are full Catholics in the Anglican Tradition. Like the Eastern tradition our Bishop, Bp. Lopes, is celibate, many / most of our priests are married. A bit difficult explaining to a cradle Catholic how his priest is celibate and mine has 6 kids... but .... We'll see the impact in 100 years or so.
A couple of thoughts:
1. Sexual relations (consensual) between a married couple should never be seen as somehow wrong or impure.
2. Allowing married priests won’t prevent child sexual abuse by the clergy. We know most child sexual abuse occurs within families.
Point 2
Yes, this has scant to do with sexual abuse of children. The principle culprit in sexual assault of children is from within their own family: siblings, parents, aunts and uncles.
The problem for the Roman Catholic church as with other institutions such armed forces (use to recruit children), state welfare agencies, scouts, sports clubs, etc. was lack of accountability and systems to prevent such
The Roman Catholic church has never been successful sued because it's staff commited crimes, but for its complicity, failure to respond to problems - the classic transfer and not report to Police.
What has that to do if the Bishop was married or not.
Thank you for posting. This video was interesting. You guys inspire me so much! ❤
One aspect of clerical celibacy that you leave undiscussed is the financial implications for the Church: how to provide for the would-be families of clergy. It is simply much easier, financially, for the Church to insist that the clergy not have their own family. The rank and file clergy are mere worker bees in the hive, nothing more. Their reward will be in heaven. Bishops and on-up are another story altogether.
I like what another commenter said below: "I find that the married eastern Catholic priests have a much better understanding of what married family life (marriage, children, family) is really like compared to the many Roman Catholic priests. There are just some things in life one has to experience to really understand."
Funny how the orthodox say there’s nothing traditional about Catholicism, but when u actually do a little bit of digging you’ll find they’re the most relaxed when it comes to how they go about things and Catholics are a lot more strict
My most recent priest was married and also a convert from Lutheran. he was a Lutheran pastor who is married, and apparently God called him to become a priest. I am not sure the rules and dispensation have given to him to allow a married man who is a pastor to then become a Catholic priest. That being said, he was amazing just absolutely amazing and welcoming. Due to some health problems, he has not been attending mass and I think actually being moved away from our diocese. That’s too bad, but I have to admit it was really unusual at first until we all just got used to him. still, there’s a bit of a distance I found with him as a married man. I could not remove the fact that I was confessing or speaking to someone’s husband as opposed to the intimacy I would normally speak to with my priest.
This goes back to an old cannon from a church council that says that clergy who are from a church not inline with the broader church should be able to keep their profession if they submit to the proper church. Rome has ignored this for married men since after Vatican II but it started with Anglicans and then became open to Lutherans. The terms are confusing because Lutherans due to Germanic languages and anti-Romanism generally don't use the term priest today, although some do. There is no distinction between them structurally. There are likely books written about the distinctions theologically and with the Orthodox as well.
@@behannerit's funny that you say it was ignored since Vatican II, when I associate it with John Paul II, as something he started promoting in the 80s.
And it's not been limited to Episcopalians or Lutherans.
I heard the top selling topic for christian books is “how to balance your responsibilities at home with your responsibilities at church” seems a lot of protestant pastors struggle. I knew one guy who’s gay son committed suicide and his other son is a violent bully. I know another who is on his 3rd wife while preaching against sexual son. I say this not to gossip but to show how difficult it really is.
And not just protestant pastors but any human can struggle with these issues. That's why marriage would be the place where sexuality would be expressed. And even then people struggle because it's a powerful deep need for humans. Celibacy comes with it's own problems too. What ever the case, we all humans need our Lord to help. Marriage is a beautiful gift and celibacy is a beautiful gift to some too.
@@m.p8917 Yeah i dont want to say priests are free from all their problems if they remain truly celibate. My point is, balancing a family at home is the hardest challenge for the pastors of our protestant brothers. St Paul was quite wise in suggesting a man not be double minded in that regard
@@timboslice980But St. Paul also said celibacy was a gift that he wished others had, and that if they burned with passion, they should marry. I don’t think all priests are gifted with celibacy.
@@alankern9490 I totally agree and if you burn with passion for anyone but christ, you shouldnt be a priest. Like St Paul said, such a man is double minded torn between his devotion to his wife and the lord.
Just a few notes:
* You use the term "Catholic" through the video which is a bit misleading: priestly celibacy isn't required in all of the Catholic Church, only in some sui iuris Churches (most notably the Roman/Latin one). In most Eastern Catholic Churches the norm is rather to be married even as a (diocesan) priest. (Just a side note: the stepfather of st. Charbel was a priest.) It's important to stress this because married priests are something that exists in parts of the Catholic Church even now and it's not viewed as an exception (as are former Anglican priests).
* The Church could allow even marriage after ordination. That's far less likely than just allowing ordination of married men but that's an ecclesiastical rule as well and could be changed.
Thank you Father Casey for this video on celibacy.
2:16 1Tim.3 indicated that marriage was even required of bishops. It was a test of their ability to manage people. Vss. 4-5 He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with perfect dignity; for if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of the church of God?
Thank you for this fascinating history lesson!
I hope that one day the rule will change. IMO it’s against the nature of human to be alone…
I assist to a Melkite Rite parish here in Mexico City. I have never seen or been served by so tender and well prepared priests in my whole life in the faith. I don't know if some of that joy and conviction comes from the freedom of election to be or not to be celibate. Just saying. 😅😊
The Latin Rites would swear the Greek Rites have it wrong but truth is only one.
@@hesedagape6122when was the last time a Latin asserted in an official capacity that the Greeks are wrong?
I've only heard Greeks arguing that the Latins are heretics.
@@michaelmicek besides that I was referring to clerical marriage. Internal Roman Catholic matter.
My covenant with Jesus regarding my celibacy will remain intact no matter what
This is a good description of the history of priestly celibacy. However your language is ambiguous when you distinguish between the "Catholic" and "Eastern" Churches where it would be more accurate to say "Western Catholic" and "Eastern Catholic." It would also have been good to include something about the Angican Provision. Also, at one point you refer to celibacy applying to all clergy, though permanent deacons aren't required to be celibate.
In the late 80's I knew a gal who opened a brothel. Her mother did not object due to financial steuggles.
One of her regular customers was a priest who drove in from a small town...
I don't understand why the church has not already awarded you a theological doctrate. St. Thomas Aquinas himself would be amazed at your logic.
There’s also another exception if an Anglican priest, who is married converts to Roman Catholicism, they can also be a priest in the Roman Catholic Church
Fr. Casey, while I agree with you on most of your points, I disagree with you on the marriage aspect. As a Cradle Episcopalian who married into a LARGE German Roman Catholic family, I saw a steep decline in the number of priests in the Archdiocese of Austin during my late mother-in-law 's and her brothers' lifetimes. Uncle Ben was a priest and retired Army chaplain; Uncle Tom had gone to seminary before he met Aunt Alberta. All three agreed that the Roman Catholic Church had to change in regards to marriage, lest the priesthood die out. My brother-in-law, John Paul, ( they named two pope's after JP) is a deacon in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. He would be an awesome priest, and his wife, Consuelo, an asset. They already are to their parish. The only way JP can progress is if Consuelo dies. I'm sorry, but I don't want to lose her, and the Church is missing out on a potentially awesome priest. How many others are being overlooked because of this ? Just a thought. Pax vobisicum.
There is the rare exception when married priests from another denomination (for example, Anglicanism) convert to Catholicism: They are sometimes accepted to train to become Catholic priests, and are so ordained. These priests stay married with their roles of husband and father unchanged. If they were to become widowed, they would not be permitted to pursue courtship or re-marriage.
Surley celibacy could change. It was temporary decision. Orthodox have a good practice on that and Catholics should follow.
I was scared you were going to take the revolutionary side on this one but Im glad to hear you instead make the case stronger for celibate priests.
It is less complicated. As a Jewish woman told me once, Rabbi's wives are widows in many areas, people always needing council and their kids can't be above others. (they were more Orthodox) It is more complicated and money I feel is always an issue, but doable. I can just see it being a mess too.
And yes Father, I know you're reading this, and you should take heed. GOD is most merciful and even forgives priests whove sold their soul for earthly rewards. And real Catholics forgive them too.
I do not think priests should be able to marry or date, that shouldn’t be their focus. That said, I don’t think BEING married already should be an obstacle for getting ordained. I think we should encourage men who’ve already married to become priests, not discourage.
The more I learn about Catholicism the more I'm in all honest scared. I feel overwhelmed by the rules, history and teachings. What if I miss something? what if I second guess something the Pope said? What if I find something I don't agree with? People tell me to "shop around" when it comes to religion but that doesn't feel right, it isnt something as simple as trying a new ice cream flavor, its supposed to be about my soul. I know this is a weird place to go on a rant but here it is lol.
Catholicism is about being a disciple of Jesus. The rules and history are there to help guide us along the way, but if you keep your eyes on Jesus, you'll be fine.
Focus on Jesus… give the rest to God. God cares more about the heart and intent… if your heart is in the right place following Jesus the rest falls into place.
LORD may use you father for HIS KINGDOM 🙏🎉
Historically, priests had families. It was this way for centuries. The idea of celibacy was a much later idea that became the norm, for some reason. There should be no reason why a priest or bishop cannot have a family of their own while having a vocation dedicated to Christ and helping their communities.
The evidence provided in the video speaks contrary to that claim though
@@DefaultSkinsthe video is evidence free
The rule came about because the church wanted to control the wealth accumulated by clergy, without family interference.
If such a change would occur, it would be prudent to ensure that the head pastor of any parish be celibate with any married priests being assistants only. The exception would be extreme shortages or a married priest be an acting head pastor until a replacement is found.
There are pros and cons on both sides, and a married priest would have a more powerful testimony when providing catechesis and instruction to engaged couples.
Here, we read, "Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so" but you get versions on Google where it is translated "Some are eunuchs" which is a much narrower quotation. Chat GPT says the original word is Greek, Eunouchos, which seems to settle it, but they add the word can have multiiple meanings, some originally being disinterested in marriage rather than literally english "eunuch."
Thank you for explaining priestly celibacy to us, Father Casey. As a Protestant, this is a foreign concept to me because all of my pastors have been married. It makes me wonder why Protestants decided to differ from the Catholic Church in this practice.
How interesting! Thabk you for summarising the history of thusw policy
Anglican priests, once received into the church, can ask to join the priesthood, and if they are approved, then can still be married and can be ordained a priest. These cases are rare, but they do exist in the Roman Catholic Church. Not the norm, but possible.
the home of the ordinariate is in texas anglicans who are married with family priests. there are even bishops too.
As you have told in this video, st. Peter was married, for many century marriage and priesthood were not excluding each other...than bad habits in the middle ages changed that. Now are we still in the middle ages? depravity everywhere? I think it's time to go back....and let every priest etc to decide for himself if he want only to focus on his call and not beign married.
Required Priestly Celibacy is one of my issues with the Catholic Church as I understand the Bible, but it's not a big issue. It seems to me that the ideal set forth by God in Genesis 2 is a married priest (Adam was given a priestly role in the Garden of Eden) to the point that God thought there was something missing while he was single. However Jesus was celibate and Paul makes a pretty good argument for celebicy, so as I understand it, there shouldn't be an issue with married priests, but I could easily be missing something.
I dont think priests should be *obligated* to remain unmarried since the Levites themselves were a race of priest tribe. And married men won't (as likely) sexually sin but will take with his wife.
Clergy should be optionally married while being priests. We should be more weary if men fornicate than if they were married.
A man needs a wife.
I don't care what anyone says.
Dedication to God doesn't subtract love.
As i said i don't think it should be mandatory
But definitely encouraged.
So married men don't sexual assault others, including their wife.
I think you have identified the actual issue here.
Haven’t watched the video, but I’m for allowing married clergy. My reason is that I think the person can provide better marriage advice and counseling if they experience it first hand. But, I know not being married allows them to focus on God and Christ.
Thank you Father.
There will be married priests soon enough. The decline of those entering the priesthood will force the hand of the Pope. In fact, if it’s simply a discipline, the local bishop should have the authority to make this change for his diocese.
Thank you Father!
About time the Catholic Church have a married order of priests. God made man and woman for each other. Non Cathoilc churches are primarily headed by married pastors and it works well.
So the cultural norms of the distant past should continue to make celibacy a requirement?
I would love the become a priest, but I was married before I came into full communion with the Chruch, so the door is currently closed. But so God will, one day I may able to serve as a priest, and if not I’m sure the Lord give me plenty of other opportunities to serve
Fr. Casey, I have questions in my mind after watching this video but i don't know how to express it in a RUclips comment.
Meanwhile some other churches are tying themselves up in knots over gay marriage, and whether gay priests should marry, be celibate, or whatever.
"By rule and with only a few exceptions," yeah, like all the Eastern Patriarchates.
Catholicism is more than just the Roman side, mate.
Thanks! I'm so glad I'm not alone in this!
He systematically refers to the "Catholic" practice, as though the Roman Church is the only Catholic Church.
Celibacy is beautiful. I have been celibate my whole life. It's a wonderful way to live.
Saint Peter was married? Oh boy, I need to hit the books. Thanks for bringing up these necessary (if uncomfortable) issues. Be well, Fr. Casey
Gospel of Matthew 8:14-15 Jesus heals Peter's Mother-in-law.
Great video, father, as this is a widely misunderstood topic among Catholics and non-Catholics alike. I do wish that you would be a little more careful in your language to say that celibacy is a discipline of the Roman Catholic Church as it is not a discipline of the Catholic Church as a whole. I know you're certainly aware of Eastern Catholics who retain their tradition of married eparchial (aka diocesan) clergy, but I worry that when we use overly broad language it can lead others to view our Eastern Catholic brethren with suspicion simply due to non-dogmatic differences they have with the Roman Church
The matter of being and remaining celibate flies in the face of why God created the first couple.
It’s very interesting to learn how clergy could be married yet still practicing continence
Celibacy of Catholic clergy has an interesting history.
According to Richard Sipe’s study of 1500 priests over a 25 year period, only 2 percent of priests achieved total celibacy and fewer than 50 percent even attempted it. I worry that the celibacy requirement creates a culture of secrecy, fear and ultimately contributes to clericalism.
Almost to the minute, I was listening to the book by Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Sarah, From The Depths of Our Hearts (and where they mentioned some of the exact things you mentioned, Council of Elvira etc.) - you posted this video.
This while I am discerning the Holy Priesthood.
Coincidental, I don’t think so😬😁
It should change. If nothing else for the simple realization that sexuality is biologically hardwired in us all. It is part of human design. Marriage is a beautiful commitment that is a blessing according to the church (if I am not mistaken.) Why can't priests participate in both? I just don't get it. It's outdated and unnecessary. Honor God's creation- it's function and action.
Father, I disagree with your last statement. I am an eastern orthodox Christian. I went to seminary and obviously was in school with guys who have gotten married before their nation and those who decided to marry the church and live a life of sea like you described I think the Roman Catholic Church would have a better selection of priesthood. I know the calling and everything. I’m not trying to say, but obviously the Roman Catholic Church has had issues with some people that were led to the priesthood in the last 40 to 50 years I’m in the Greek diocese for north America right now and I know that those who apply to become priests also have to go through a psychological evaluation and if they are married, do you know that their wives have to be orthodox and they have to sign off on the or it’s not just him telling her this is what we’re gonna do if she doesn’t agree to it he doesn’t get to be ordained into the priesthood if he wants to keep her
I love how you make it sound like this hasn't been something that has been problematic for centuries. The only reason Lateran 2 was able to make this declarations was because Germanic Christians were concerned with positions in the church becoming hereditary. And many a late medieval Pope got support by saying they would rescind this if they got elected. What you missed is that this has already changed. Married men are now allowed to be deacons, this is new. Adam de la Halle wrote a great monologue in the 13th century when they were trying to force compliance on this as to whether or not he wanted to remain clergy or remain with his wife.
As a Roman Catholic the celibacy subject has always been something I was opposed to.
I hope and pray the church will let priest choose between celibacy and married life.
If the church ever does allow married men to become priests in the Latin rite, it couldn't be like it's done today. You would have to only accept older men whose wives are no longer of childbearing age as I really don't think a priest could give his all If he had small children. I also think you would have sort of like a part-time position where you would have a couple guys ordained that sort of shared a parish, a lot like the married diaconate. Main reason I don't want this though is because it would destroy the beautiful gift of celibacy. Of course, celibacy would continue with religious orders, but you would almost have to have some sort of like Canon regulars of the diocese over the married priests in their parishes.
It needs to be optional, of course. But celibacy should be enforced if one is ordained first or becomes a widow. It's simply not scandal-free for clergy to be dating and having affairs with people. It seems obvious this change needs to happen because the hierarchy cannot nor will not take child abuse and homosexuality scandals seriously. A priest is more likely to get divorced for serious moral issues than be removed by the hierarchy. Perhaps the scandal of divorced priests and the reasons for those divorces being made public will get the ball rolling to clean house.
I don’t think it’s accurate to say that the Trullo Council of 692 “relaxed” the rules of celibacy in the East. Sure, the Council of Elvira was earlier, but it was held in the West (Spain), and so was not necessarily received in the East. The Apostolic Canons, actually dating to the 4th century and originating in the East, allow married men to be ordained, and the Trullo Council referred to these Canons in its decisions. Indeed, the Roman practice of celibacy was treated as an innovation, tolerable only as a local deviation-not something that would have happened if celibacy had ever been the universal rule in the East.
Exactly, the Orthodox Church has never relaxed any rules about clerical marriage. Married men have always been able to be ordained as Priests; they just cannot marry after their ordination to the Subdiaconate.
Yes but usually Deacons are already married before coming into the Catholic Church and they are good in giving family advice too, they are just a little below the Priests in responsibility and all but they still do similar things to what the Priest does anyhow. 🙏🙏🙏
You said that if a married person becomes a priest then they have to seize acting like a married? Does that mean they have to abandon their family?
This teaching almost seems to ask Priests who are married to abandon their wives which is sin, how can this be proper orthodoxy?
PETER WAS MARRIED. Taking all the relevant Scriptures into account, it can be maintained that St. Peter left his family (by mutual agreement) to serve with Jesus. But he was (possibly) later accompanied by his wife on at least some missionary trips (1 Cor 9:5).Apr 9, 2020
Mutual agreement? Given the patriarchal nature of his society, I doubt Mrs. Peter had little, if any, say in the matter. And given the extremely limited options available to unmarried women, she had to be less than thrilled at the prospect of living in abject poverty (with children?).
A ministry run by a heathy man snd healthy woman is very powerful… a couple serving God together can do so much for the Kingdom. Not being married does not make a person holier.
The Eastern (catholic) Churches ARE part of the Catholic Church, I think you meant to distinguish the Latin/Roman Catholic discipline from the Eastern Rite Catholic Churches - We're all one Catholic Church.
Thank you! So often Latins tend to forget we exist, or at best, only give us a passing nod. I'm glad I'm not alone in this.
@@StuartistStudio1964 I'm not Eastern Catholic (though I do attend one of your churches :)) but I was going to say this too. And also Eastern Catholic is different from Eastern Orthodox, a lot of people seem to confuse that as well.
@@StuartistStudio1964 - I would venture to say that, unless they live near an Eastern Catholic Rite parish, Latin Rite Catholics don’t know you exist. I’m 70, Canadian, and didn’t learn about Eastern Rite Catholics until the late 90s. That didn’t happen out of the blue, I started working in a parish office, and read the Code of Canon Law and Church documents when I had spare time at work. Most conversations with older Catholics longing for the Extraordinary Rite contained “When all Catholics worshipped in Latin…” It was a shock to them to be told that, in fact, all Catholics DIDN’T worship in Latin and that the Roman Rite, though the largest, was not the only one. I don’t think younger Catholics are any more aware, unless someone took the time to actually teach them.
While I understand the reasonings as a Catholic myself, the Bible clearly indicates priests and bishop can marry.
1 Timothy Chapter 3: 1 [a]This saying is trustworthy:[b] whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. 2 Therefore, a bishop must be irreproachable, married only once, temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not aggressive, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with perfect dignity; 5 for if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of the church of God? 6 He should not be a recent convert, so that he may not become conceited and thus incur the devil’s punishment.[c] 7 He must also have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, the devil’s trap.
“A lot of people use the word celibacy without knowing what it means” Yea especially priests!
"There is something [huge] lost in a change."
I wondered how much had to do with money also. Can churches today support a priest and family, a large family? Some protestant wives work but it gets complicated with pay and support and insurance. Some have nice homes and others not. Do you have less children? How does the church deal with Anglican priests who become Catholic and married? I never hear any one answer but always curious.
A priest, that I know very well, in his 70’s told me that in his seminary @ least 1/2 of the priest were gay? Jeanne
I think that it’s very important for people who decide to become priests have lived in the real world and make a mature decision if this is the life for them , it could be optional and even if one chooses to live a chaste life the option to change and get married and still remain a priest should also be allowed to?!?
What instruction do clergy receive in practising sexual abstinence. Are they guided by relevant expertise such as medical professionals or others say psychologists? As you say the scriptures refer to some people choosing celibacy for the sake of the kingdom. Should the church recognise it is the person's choice rather than requiring it for all?
1 Timothy 3:
1. Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3. not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6. He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
I think this is where we get an issue.
Anyone know what happened to "Upon Friar Review"?
Clue: it has something to do with the topic of this video
While I respect celibacy and continence for priests and clergy, I would be open to see the discipline change. It is a choice after all, and I think people who want to be a celibate priest should be able to pick that, and if a married man felt like the priesthood still has a role to play in his life, the door should be open to that possibility. As long as all parties know what they're getting into and keep their respective responsibilities, I'd look forward to seeing this change. It works pretty well for the churches in the east, so it's not like it'd be an experiment
I like y’all being focused on kingdom work without distractions.
29 seconds ago. This is fresh stuff
You end with saying there would be something lost in the change, but that is always true of change. You have to changed to grow.
Don't be afraid, we need more good people like you.
I bet your pagan ancestors were cool!