Dear Parishioners,

Thank you to the Holy Father Pope Francis for his defense of priestly celibacy. Recently the Synod of the Amazon suggested that for that region, the church’s rules requiring priests to be unmarried should be relaxed in order to encourage more men to enter the priesthood in that region. However, as the Holy Father has stated, “Personally, I think that celibacy is a gift to the Church. I would say that I do not agree with allowing optional celibacy, no.” There are two aspects I would like to address about this decision.

First, why is priestly celibacy important for the Church? It’s for a plethora of reasons. Celibacy is a sign of the fatherhood of the priest. While a priest does not beget nature children, he is free to beget spiritual ones through his ministry and sacraments. A priest’s life should reflect the life of Christ, who was not married in an earthly way but instead is the Bridegroom of the Church for all time. Therefore, a chaste celibate priest is a reflection of that heavenly reality. It is possible for a priest to be married under some unusual circumstances. However, this is not the ideal and that has always been reflected in the Church’s history. Celibacy is a mark that shows that the priest is not for his own earthly gain and instead sacrifices his life for the Church.

Second, why did it seem like this discipline was going to change? It seems that there are a number of forces within the Church and outside the Church that want to see the Church change. Sometimes these forces try to promote a narrative that is contrary to the Holy Father’s wishes. So, we should be on guard against anything that is not directly attributed to him. I imagine that he must be under enormous pressure to change with the times. Often there are people who pretend to be with the Church but instead promote their own agenda: trying to change the Church’s social teachings, disciplines and morality to more match that of the world. We should be glad that we have a Holy Father who does not give in to such forces.

It is fitting today that we celebrate our Lord’s temptation on this first Sunday of Lent. Christ was tempted by the devil to do things his way and there would be no conflict between them. However, Christ sees through his lies and realizes that while a compromise is easier, it ultimately betrays His mission, His lordship and His sacrifice for us all. Similarly, I think often today the devil tempts the Church to give in on her values that make us all uniquely Catholic. I pray that the Church may continue to have courage to boldly proclaim the faith throughout the world. For the faith unites us to Christ and only Christ can save us.

God bless!

Father Carter