Women And The Priesthood

[far from being worthy]

my question is about Women and the Priesthood. i have done some research on the topic, and i completely agree with what the Church teaches. Priesthood, simply, isn't meant for women, only men.

when i researched, i accidently stumbled on an article about "Catholic" women protesting for women ordination. and it made me sick. PLEASE PRAY FOR THEM.

there was one point they made that confused me, though. they said something about Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, and how she felt the call to priesthood. my question: how does one answer to that?

and my other question: how does one answer to the sexual abuse scandal?

like, it's been brought up "if there were women priests, there would be less sexual abuse" such and such. which seems like nonsense to me.

[ i was given this research topic, along with a couple friends, for this project within our core group. and if they happen to ask these questions, at least there's something better than, "oh, i don't know". -these questions seemed to get me stuck, mainly because i had a hard time to clarify with information i found. ]

i THANK YOU GREATLY.

Ave Maria. God bless.

[cappie]

The peace about St Therese I can't answer. About Male priesthood being responsable for sexual abuse, it is a myth. At least in Australia sexual abuse is a problem for all churches Catholic and Protestant those with male and female ministers married or celibate. In the family it seems true that more fathers than mothers abuse their children but it is not always so. There ahve been a number of cases where women have been guilty of this behaviour. Maybe someone in the US might be able to be of more assistance.

[Pontifex]

As far as, St. Therese' inclination for priesthood, I think it is important to point out that although she may have been drawn to the priesthood, she was obedient and submitted to Church teaching. I know a real Holy Nun, who says that if she was a man, she would be a priest. But the difference is, that they remain faithful to Church teaching, and respect and acknowledge the maleness of that particular role. Just as a Man, might be drawn to the wonders of Child birth, it does not mean that he should resent the fact that he cannot bring a child into the world in that way. We look with awe and wonder at the beauty of both roles, but when we become bitter and revolt, we take down the fruit from the tree again.

Peace,

Fr. P