Clerical Continence

[Nihil Obstat]

[url="http://newtheologicalmovement.blogspot.com/2010/03/clerical-continence-requirement-for.html"]New Theological Movement Blog[/url]

Clerical Continence: The Requirement for Worship
The video below from RomeReports highlights a recent conference at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, at which the topic of discussion was the apostolic roots of clerical continence and celibacy:

[video in main article]

The key here is that, even when clerics were married (like many of the Apostles, for example), they remained continent (i.e. they abstained from sexual relations) after ordination. This discipline still pertains today, according to Canon 277 of the Code of Canon Law, as leading canonists Dr. Edward Peters and Fr. Brian van Hove, S.J. have recently shown. Peters's article in Studia Canonica is particularly helpful in addressing this matter in a way that is both theological and pastoral.

The reason for the discipline of continence for sacred ministers has to do with the long-standing Judeo-Christian connection between abstinence from sexual relations and the offering of sacrifice. Because the one who offers sacrifice (and those who assist him - like the deacon) speaks for the whole community before God, he must be free of any exclusivity in his relations. He is not just for his wife, but is for the whole community. This is why he abstains from sexual relations, even if he is married. The higher calling to worship demands that he sacrifice the great good of marital intimacy.

This is, of course, no slur against marriage or the marital act. Rather, it is a recognition that, with sacred ordination, this man has been re-configured and totally consecrated as a public person to the duty of public worship. He is now completely a "man for others," as Pope John Paul II often said. For this reason, he gives up the great good of marital intimacy so as to be able to stand before God on behalf of the whole community.







Is this accurate in terms of the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church?

In any case, good article.

[Resurrexi]

[quote name='Nihil Obstat' date='11 March 2010 - 04:58 PM' timestamp='1268344688' post='2071229']
Is this accurate in terms of the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church?
[/quote]

I don't think so.

[Nihil Obstat]

[quote name='Resurrexi' date='11 March 2010 - 04:00 PM' timestamp='1268344820' post='2071233']
I don't think so.
[/quote]
I sorta thought not.

[Laudate_Dominum]

[url="http://www.depend.com/"]This Might Help[/url]

[Nihil Obstat]

[Apotheoun]

The East accepts periodic clerical continence, but has always rejected perpetual clerical continence.

[Resurrexi]

[quote name='Apotheoun' date='11 March 2010 - 05:04 PM' timestamp='1268345079' post='2071237']
The East accepts periodic clerical continence, but has always rejected perpetual clerical continence.
[/quote]

During what periods are Eastern priests expected to practice continence?

[Apotheoun]

[quote name='Resurrexi' date='11 March 2010 - 03:05 PM' timestamp='1268345136' post='2071238']
During what periods are Eastern priests expected to practice continence?
[/quote]
The marital fast applies to all, both laity and clergy; moreover, the Council of Trullo confirms the good of continence prior to the celebration of the Eucharist.

[Ephrem Augustine]

Well i think this should be a continued discussion, considering all the married anglican ministers to become catholic priests...
Thanks for the post.

[Nihil Obstat]

[quote name='Ephrem Augustine' date='11 March 2010 - 04:40 PM' timestamp='1268347210' post='2071275']
Well i think this should be a continued discussion, considering all the married anglican ministers to become catholic priests...
Thanks for the post.
[/quote]
Here's our relevant canon:

Can. 277 §1 Clerics are obliged to observe perfect and perpetual continence for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven, and are therefore bound to celibacy. Celibacy is a special gift of God by which sacred ministers can more easily remain close to Christ with an undivided heart, and can dedicate themselves more freely to the service of God and their neighbour.

§2 Clerics are to behave with due prudence in relation to persons whose company can be a danger to their obligation of preserving continence or can lead to scandal of the faithful.

§3 The diocesan Bishop has authority to establish more detailed rules concerning this matter, and to pass judgement on the observance of the obligation in particular cases.


Especially relevant would be §3. I guess it implies that exceptions can definitely be made.

[Marie-Therese]

[quote name='Laudate_Dominum' date='11 March 2010 - 05:01 PM' timestamp='1268344918' post='2071235']
[url="http://www.depend.com/"]This Might Help[/url]
[/quote]

GMTA. That was my first thought when I saw this thread.

I think that means I should start acting like a grownup.

[Thy Geekdom Come]

For clerical incontinence:

[img]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51GPGF3E9GL._AA280_.jpg[/img]

[Nihil Obstat]

[quote name='Raphael' date='11 March 2010 - 05:12 PM' timestamp='1268349170' post='2071310']
For clerical incontinence:

[img]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51GPGF3E9GL._AA280_.jpg[/img]
[/quote]
I don't think *that's* in the rubrics.

[Apotheoun]

They are allowed the GIRM, but only if they match the color of the liturgical season.

[Nihil Obstat]

[quote name='Apotheoun' date='11 March 2010 - 05:17 PM' timestamp='1268349471' post='2071320']
They are allowed the GIRM, but only if they match the color of the liturgical season.
[/quote]
Should they be made of lace in the Extraordinary Form?