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Unfortunately as I read in Zenit the official news from Rome, there are about 1000 priest that leave each year. I wonder how many people realize that this is the case.
Aslo I remember sometime ago that most leave not because of celibacy issues or to get married but because of discouragement.
We need to rethink this whole question.
Stephanos I

Actually, this is probably more insightful to the problem than the marriage/celibacy issue in itself. Priests not having developed a proper spiritual support system, and then become so isolated that their ministry is one one despair. I believe that Stephanos has hit upon something here that should be explored further.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

Fathers Stephanos and Anthony,

I have read of celibate diocesan priests who form fraternities and associations that help them to develop a common life together of fraternal support and apostolate.

Here is one such community that began in the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis.

http://www.companionsofchrist.org/default.aspx

If the Latin Church insists upon ordaining only celibate men, it should also help to ensure, with the support of its bishop, an active frateral life of its celibate clergy. Loneliness is a great temptation in society at large, and priests are certainly NOT immune to it!

God bless,

Gordo

Gordo,

As one that works with formation and assisting other priests in spiritual direction, I have to make a comment. The issue goes also beyond ordaining celibate men. As you and others are aware, the Orthodox Church ordains mainly married men. The demands of ministry in most cases have many things that even a wife can not share in, and the additional burdens of ministry that are placed on the family can lead to the isolation and despair. Support systems for the emotional and spiritual needs of both celibate and married clergy have to be further developed and supported by not only the hierarchy, but also by the faithful.

This would mean also educating our faithful, for there are times there is a lack of understanding to the needs of the clergy, and the attitude tends to be one of a spiritual employee, or a poor insight into the challenges of ministry that are rather unique. In most cases, it is not the clergy that are isolating, but the faithful that create the isolation. This is not an easy matter that can be resolved with a simple program or some new guidelines, but rather something of a probelm that our modern society has created in its enlightened thing and outlook have created over the past 50+ years. Father Stephanos' comment I am sure will hit all sorts of bells with the different clergy that belong to this forum and are able and willing to respond. I hope that this gives at least a few some food for thought.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

Dearest Fr Anthony,
That was very insightful into the situation!
But it was not actually what I had in mind.
I meant that the Shepherd is usually the target of spiritual attack because he is the Shepherd of the sheep.
The problem that I was referring to which causes discouragement is often the Laity. (and I dont mean this to be an attack on them) but as you know there are some in the Church who cunningly try to make the Pastors life a living hell. (Believe me I have experienced it.) Most often the case the Pastor is really and sincerely trying to offer (sacrifice) his life in example of the Great High Priest, and yet they do no receive the support and understanding of their people.
I am sure this is true whether one is celibate of not.
It would be interesting to find out how many married clergy leave the ministry each year.

Kissing your right hand,
Stephanos I
Unworthy Monk and Arch Sinner

PS I like the new software. It seems to work well.
Now if I can only figure out how to change my icon.

Dear Father Stephanos,

Your clarification went deeper than my more meager insights could offer, but shows that we are thinking along the same lines. Our brother clergy need support and that will help keep some from falling away from a vocation that comes from Lord. It is not only our responsibility, but that of all. If not we contribute to this travesty, and hurt not only these disheartened brothers, but the church as a whole.

By your prayers.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

Father Stephanos,

Your issues are not uncommon, I am sure. I say this with confidence because, as a father in my own family, I know all too well that children are the greatest sources of joy and suffering in family life. Such is the cross and the glory of fatherhood.

With every parish as a multigenerational "family of families" and every priest a spiritual father, I am sure the challenges are multiplied exponentially.

It is also one of the reasons why I think there should be two to three deacons for every one priest. The deacon, as the icon of kenotic fatherhood, should help address some of the pastoral needs as well as help manage some of the challenges the laity present so that the pastor does not have to bear them alone.

Just my two cents...

God bless all our spiritual fathers and elders in Christ!

Gordo

Regarding changing your Avatar Image, you can access your profile/personal settings by going to the "My Stuff" pull down menu and clicking on "My Profile". If you scroll down to the bottom of the page, you have a few options regarding changing your Avatar. Once you have entered your changes, click on "Submit" and your changes will be saved.

Since the images seem to "stretch" in the new format, I have been looking for a "thinner" image that stretches to a normal view. No luck so far!

Hope that helps...

Gordo

ebed melech
you must have heard one of my many many please for ordaining more deacons
Stephanos I

Father Anthony:

No, I'm not surprised. Reminds me of an anlogy I used once on a bigot in a Catholic fraternity I was a member of. The guy was going off about Protestants. So I interrupted him and told him half my family--the bigger half--was Protestant. Then I proceeded to tell him about his place in Heaven.

I told him he'd be given a six by nine foot room without windows or doors, bunk beds, and one closet. He'd have to share this room with Jimmy Swaggert--they'd have to settle who got the top bunk by themselves and, oh, Swaggert was there first and he's hogging the closet.

I finished by saying that the rest of us would get to sit and watch the action because the only opening would be the ceiling where we'd all have bleacher seats around the perimeter to get a good belly laugh.

So much for bigots.

I dearly hope that the person who posted the charitable post gets a six by nine with a married Orthodox or Eastern Catholic priest--St. John of Kronstadt, St. Alexis Toth, Alex Roman's grandfather all come to mind--for eternity. Maybe he could convince them how poorly they did as priests since they had--horrors!!--a wife. In fact, to be a bit more on this subject, maybe they could be paired with one of the priests' wives--but that would probably cause too many fireworks!! LOL

BOB