Isn't It Time For the Church to Let Go Of Mandatory Celibacy for Diocesan Priests?

More scandal ridden news for the Church. This time coming out of Canada. It bothers me (if anyone cares) that the Roman Catholic Church holds onto mandatory celibacy for priests....In my humble opinion that man- made Church law harms the Church, lessens its credibility and its ability to help the poor.. Probably billions of dollars have gone to settling sex abuse cases in the U.S. alone and I think that money could have been better spent, obviously....certainly on the Church's many worthy charitable organizations. And of course the ruined lives caused by the sex abuse crisis is more important than the money, that is tragic. Would married priests,  lessen the cases of sexual abuse by priests? I believe so, though many deny that. Mandatory celibacy is also a contributing factor to the priest shortage.

Let religious order priests maintain their mandatory celibacy (for those that want and desire a strict discipline and asceticism) but at least give diocesan priests the option or choice to marry. It makes complete common sense to me. But the Church would rather hold onto this outdated and "harmful" discipline instead of opening the door to optional celibacy for diocesan priests. Why? There is a shortage of priests, overworked priests, some remote parishes with limited access to the Eucharist because of this priest shortage but none of that seems to matter to those who could change this. 

So that's how I feel today hearing another high profile Cardinal is being accused of sexual assault in a civil case. In the Canadian sex abuse case, "AFP reported that the class action suit includes testimony of 101 people..." over many years....many clerics included ......Eighty eight clerics face accusations in the suit....so its wide ranging.

Young people are just going to walk away from the Church.....its happening already.......when will common sense prevail and the Church care more about passing on the faith to future generations and preserving the Eucharist, rather than holding onto an outdated man made law. 

Now I'll go out and enjoy this beautiful summer day....swimming helps me calm down!!

NJA

Bishop Barron-A Churchman for the Ages

 To state the obvious, Bishop Robert Barron is a gift to the Church. His success on social media, his engagement with the religious and secular world should be a model for all priests and bishops. He doesn't do it alone, he has a team that helps him make his Word on Fire videos and posts so engaging but its his personality too. He comes across as authentic and of course he's very bright and knowledgable. I've learned a lot from his videos and talks on Youtube.  

His recent appointment as the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, and his installation on July 29th, is yet another honor in his remarkable priesthood. I think it was a sacrifice for him to have had to leave sunny California to go back to the Midwest, but he's familiar with Midwest winters as he is from the Chicago area. And as he was told at his installation Mass, he'll have to get his winter coat out of storage,,,,(I'm paraphasing!). But he will......its a big change in lifestyle for him. Part of the sacrifice priests make. 

And so what can other priests and bishops learn from Bishop Barron? I think they could learn a lot. Engage with the secular world, use social media to spread the good news, try to reach out to the "nones," as Bishop Barron always voices his concern about them and use the resources of the Church to evangelize and be creative. 

Catholics all over the world, who follow him on social media are praying for him and rooting for him. The people of Minnesota are thrilled!

NJA