Morning Liz, Paul and Mary, Thanks for your reply to my message re: Catholic priests should be able to marry. I know I probably opened a can of worms but I don't know anyone who has become a priest in recent years. We have five grown children in their 30's and 40's and not one of their many, many friends and acquaintances has entered the religious life. When I was young about three or four of my catholic schoolmates went into the religious and I know at least one of them left before she took her 'final vows'. My point is that if priests were allowed to marry we would have many, many more good men to minister to our spiritual needs and understand the problems and joys of raising a family. They could relate to their congregation better because they would understand what families go through every day. I don't think being married would affect their relationship with God but enhance it. And there are many men (and women? (ooops! Another can of worms?) who would be great spiritual ministers to the Catholic Church. And there are so few priests around anymore we could use a lot more good men. Amen. Pat ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------- The Catholic Priest is supposed to be married to God the same as the Nuns - therefore, it is their duties and faith that keep them from being lonely. If we allow the Priest to marry - there will be little to no difference in the Catholic Church and the Episcopal Church. Liz ------------------------------------------------------------- Oh dear, Pat. You're inviting controversy, now! As a heathen, the argument isn't mine to partake in, but if I wanted help repairing a house, I'd choose someone who had lived in one and who preferably had some experience at repairing one, rather than someone who had no personal experience of houses, just an expert knowledge of the building regulations. Of course, I'm aware that for those of faith, there are complexities that I'm not addressing.. Paul -------------------------------------- Yes I agree Pat. So many married men I know of, who are very devout Catholics and doing such a lot for charity and the poor, would make fine priests. Man was never meant to live alone I think....just my thoughts. ................ ,Mary ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.