{"id":25,"date":"2022-09-12T18:53:48","date_gmt":"2022-09-12T22:53:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.archbalt.org\/vocations\/the-priesthood\/reading-for-discernment\/"},"modified":"2024-10-10T11:14:54","modified_gmt":"2024-10-10T15:14:54","slug":"priestly-promises","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.archbalt.org\/vocations\/priesthood\/priestly-promises\/","title":{"rendered":"Priestly Promises"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-hero stk-block-hero stk-block stk-251e983 is-style-default\" data-v=\"2\" data-block-id=\"251e983\"><style>.stk-251e983-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important}.stk-251e983-container{background-image:url(https:\/\/www.archbalt.org\/vocations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/11\/priestly-promises-hdr.jpg) !important;background-position:top center !important}.stk-251e983-container:before{background-color:#000000 !important;opacity:0.3 !important}.stk-251e983 .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:500px !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-block-hero__content stk-content-align stk-251e983-column stk-container stk-251e983-container stk-hover-parent stk--has-background-overlay\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--column-flex stk-251e983-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-42d96d7\" id=\"priestly-promises\" data-block-id=\"42d96d7\"><style>.stk-42d96d7 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important;color:#ffffff !important}@media screen and (max-width:1023px){.stk-42d96d7 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}}<\/style><h1 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color has-white-color stk-block-heading--use-theme-margins\">Priestly Promises<\/h1><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-9d97d21\" data-block-id=\"9d97d21\"><style>.stk-9d97d21{max-width:1280px !important;padding-right:30px !important;padding-left:30px !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-9d97d21-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-a47d4f6\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"a47d4f6\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-a47d4f6-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-a47d4f6-inner-blocks\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#333333\">Celibacy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#333333\"><strong>\u201cA chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises of Him.\u201d 1 Peter 2:9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#333333\">Celibacy in Scripture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-d2bc10c\" data-block-id=\"d2bc10c\"><style>.stk-d2bc10c .stk--block-align-d2bc10c{align-items:stretch !important}.stk-d2bc10c{min-height:0px !important;margin-top:30px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important}.stk-d2bc10c-column{--stk-column-gap:30px !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--block-align-d2bc10c stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-d2bc10c-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-3f708ae stk-block-background\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"3f708ae\"><style>.stk-3f708ae-container{margin-top:12px !important;margin-right:12px !important;margin-bottom:12px !important;margin-left:12px !important;background-color:#ffffff !important;box-shadow:none !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important}.stk-3f708ae{align-self:stretch !important;background-color:#ffffff !important;box-shadow:0 5px 30px -10px rgba(18,63,82,0.3) !important;margin-bottom:20px !important}.stk-3f708ae:before{background-color:#ffffff !important}.stk-3f708ae-container:before{background-color:#ffffff !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-3f708ae-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-3f708ae-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#435b8f;line-height:1.4\">Giving up Family: <strong><em>\u201cAnd everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><br>(Matthew 19:29).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-7b48e3a stk-block-background\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"7b48e3a\"><style>.stk-7b48e3a-container{margin-top:12px !important;margin-right:12px !important;margin-bottom:12px !important;margin-left:12px !important;background-color:#ffffff !important;box-shadow:none !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important}.stk-7b48e3a{align-self:stretch !important;background-color:#ffffff !important;box-shadow:0 5px 30px -10px rgba(18,63,82,0.3) !important;margin-bottom:20px !important}.stk-7b48e3a:before{background-color:#ffffff !important}.stk-7b48e3a-container:before{background-color:#ffffff !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-7b48e3a-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-7b48e3a-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#435b8f;line-height:1.4\">Celibacy for the Kingdom: <strong><em>\u201cNot all can accept this word, but only those to whom it is granted. Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of God. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><br>Matthew (19:11-12)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#333333\">Celibacy FAQ<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-93d28b0 is-style-default\" data-block-id=\"93d28b0\">\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-0b85d55 stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"0b85d55\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-0b85d55-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-0b85d55-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-5974d41\" data-block-id=\"5974d41\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-7b102f8\" id=\"strong-am-i-allowed-to-date-while-in-the-seminary-strong\" data-block-id=\"7b102f8\"><style>.stk-7b102f8 .stk-block-heading__text{color:#333333 !important}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color\"><strong>Am I allowed to date while in the seminary?<\/strong><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-f69bf79\" data-block-id=\"f69bf79\"><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-f69bf79\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-f-69-bf-79-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-f-69-bf-79-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"chevron-down\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-chevron-down fa-w-14\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/summary>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-5e9e7b1 stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"5e9e7b1\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-5e9e7b1-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-5e9e7b1-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-3bf0cd5\" data-block-id=\"3bf0cd5\"><style>.stk-3bf0cd5 .stk-block-text__text{color:#333333 !important}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">The seminary is like the engagement period for a couple. If you desire a real relationship with your fianc\u00e9e, then you will not be dating anyone else. Likewise, to truly prepare for and discern the calling to priesthood in the seminary, you should not be dating.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-991cd7f is-style-default\" data-block-id=\"991cd7f\">\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-a8a638b stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"a8a638b\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-a8a638b-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-a8a638b-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-0a0f90b\" data-block-id=\"0a0f90b\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-de24f7a\" id=\"strong-what-if-i-have-been-sexually-active-in-my-past-does-that-mean-i-cant-be-a-priest-strong\" data-block-id=\"de24f7a\"><style>.stk-de24f7a .stk-block-heading__text{color:#333333 !important}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color\"><strong>What if I have been sexually active in my past, does that mean I can\u2019t be a priest?<\/strong><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-90434ca\" data-block-id=\"90434ca\"><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-90434ca\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-90434-ca-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-90434-ca-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"chevron-down\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-chevron-down fa-w-14\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/summary>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-3494141 stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"3494141\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-3494141-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-3494141-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-e84bbd4\" data-block-id=\"e84bbd4\"><style>.stk-e84bbd4 .stk-block-text__text{color:#333333 !important}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">No. But, you must now be in the process of embracing chastity. St. Augustine led a very wild life as a young man, but he gave up his unchaste, sinful ways when he decided to live a fully Catholic life. There must be a significant period of \u201csexual sobriety\u201d before entering the seminary, usually at least two years.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-b61e01f is-style-default\" data-block-id=\"b61e01f\">\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-0da07c5 stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"0da07c5\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-0da07c5-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-0da07c5-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-9058fd7\" data-block-id=\"9058fd7\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-abf50d7\" id=\"strong-i-am-afraid-that-i-wouldnt-be-able-to-remain-chaste-strong\" data-block-id=\"abf50d7\"><style>.stk-abf50d7 .stk-block-heading__text{color:#333333 !important}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color\"><strong>I am afraid that I wouldn\u2019t be able to remain chaste.<\/strong><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-900cb79\" data-block-id=\"900cb79\"><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-900cb79\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-900-cb-79-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-900-cb-79-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"chevron-down\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-chevron-down fa-w-14\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/summary>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-12e58b8 stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"12e58b8\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-12e58b8-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-12e58b8-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-e71394b\" data-block-id=\"e71394b\"><style>.stk-e71394b .stk-block-text__text{color:#333333 !important}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">Living a chaste life is the expectation of every man, no matter whether you become a priest or are married. If you ask God, He gives abundant graces to live a chaste life, especially as it pertains to priesthood<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#333333\">Chastity lived through the priestly promise of celibacy is a serious undertaking that must be at the forefront of your discernment; it is not for everyone, but it is more than possible for those who are called.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#333333\">Many great saints, religious, monks, nuns, and priests over the centuries have lived very fulfilled and happy lives because the fullness of their vocation came through their commitment to living a celibate life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#333333\">Forsaking marriage is a gift from God which opens a man\u2019s heart so that he can embrace all of God\u2019s children in a very powerful way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#333333\">His healthy and holy inclination to be married and have a family becomes transformed through the sacrament of Holy Orders into a supernatural fatherhood that renders his ministry, if he is faithful, fruitful beyond all expectations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-d398c28 is-style-default\" data-block-id=\"d398c28\">\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-913fde6 stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"913fde6\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-913fde6-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-913fde6-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-73f62ce\" data-block-id=\"73f62ce\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-82cfbd8\" id=\"strong-it-seems-unnatural-to-me-to-live-your-whole-life-without-sex-strong\" data-block-id=\"82cfbd8\"><style>.stk-82cfbd8 .stk-block-heading__text{color:#333333 !important}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color\"><strong>It seems unnatural to me to live your whole life without sex.<\/strong><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-e2ebc97\" data-block-id=\"e2ebc97\"><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-e2ebc97\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-e-2-ebc-97-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-e-2-ebc-97-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"chevron-down\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-chevron-down fa-w-14\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/summary>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-aa265d9 stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"aa265d9\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-aa265d9-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-aa265d9-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-6282aa0\" data-block-id=\"6282aa0\"><style>.stk-6282aa0 .stk-block-text__text{color:#333333 !important}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">Most men and women are called naturally to the married life. So, obviously, living a celibate, chaste life goes beyond the ordinary; in fact it is a supernatural call from God to live a life of radical love for the Church. Yes, it is a sacrifice, but the rewards are great. Many great saints, religious, monks, nuns, and priests over the centuries have lived very fulfilled and happy lives.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-65ca38a is-style-default\" data-block-id=\"65ca38a\">\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-2ec9e8a stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"2ec9e8a\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-2ec9e8a-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-2ec9e8a-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-47ad83f\" data-block-id=\"47ad83f\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-0f9e021\" id=\"strong-why-cant-priests-marry-strong\" data-block-id=\"0f9e021\"><style>.stk-0f9e021 .stk-block-heading__text{color:#333333 !important}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color\"><strong>Why can\u2019t priests marry?<\/strong><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-1050978\" data-block-id=\"1050978\"><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-1050978\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-1050978-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-1050978-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"chevron-down\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-chevron-down fa-w-14\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/summary>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-839c3c1 stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"839c3c1\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-839c3c1-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-839c3c1-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-8a18288\" data-block-id=\"8a18288\"><style>.stk-8a18288 .stk-block-text__text{color:#333333 !important}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">Priests in the Latin Rite forgo their natural right to marry \u201cfor the sake of the Kingdom of God,\u201d as Jesus taught His disciples (Mt 19:12). It is a gift from God which opens a man\u2019s heart so that he can embrace all of God\u2019s children in a very powerful way. His healthy and holy inclination to be married and have a family is transformed into a supernatural fatherhood that renders his ministry, if he is faithful, fruitful beyond all expectations.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#333333\">Prayer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#333333;line-height:1.4\"><strong>\u201cAre you resolved to maintain and deepen a spirit of prayer appropriate to your way of life and, in keeping with what is required of you, to celebrate faithfully the Liturgy of the Hours for the Church and for the whole world?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-c24e5a8\" data-block-id=\"c24e5a8\"><style>.stk-c24e5a8 .stk--block-align-c24e5a8{align-items:stretch !important}.stk-c24e5a8{min-height:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important}.stk-c24e5a8-column{--stk-column-gap:30px !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--block-align-c24e5a8 stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-c24e5a8-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-bc9fd0b stk-block-background\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"bc9fd0b\"><style>.stk-bc9fd0b-container{margin-top:12px !important;margin-right:12px !important;margin-bottom:12px !important;margin-left:12px !important;background-color:#ffffff !important;box-shadow:none !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important}.stk-bc9fd0b{align-self:stretch !important;background-color:#ffffff !important;box-shadow:0 5px 30px -10px rgba(18,63,82,0.3) !important;margin-bottom:20px !important}.stk-bc9fd0b:before{background-color:#ffffff !important}.stk-bc9fd0b-container:before{background-color:#ffffff !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-bc9fd0b-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-bc9fd0b-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#435b8f;line-height:1.4\"><strong><em>\u201cThe deacon\u2019s (and priest\u2019s) daily prayer focuses on both his personal needs as well as on his service to others. The promise to maintain and deepen a spirit of prayer specifically includes the promise to pray the Liturgy of the Hours. The Liturgy of the Hours\u2014contained in a book more commonly referred to as the Breviary\u2014developed from the practice of early Christian monks who would recite the psalms throughout the day as a way of sanctifying time. It was gradually adapted to suit the needs of parish priests. Generally speaking, it is prayed five times a day, at different times. Thus, \u201cby tradition going back to early Christian times, the divine office is devised so that the whole course of the day and night is made holy by the praises of God\u201d (Vatican II, Sacrosanctum Concilium, 84). While praying the Divine Office, one prays for the entire Church and the world. By praying the psalms, the deacon (and priest) will be saying the very same prayers that Christ learnt as a boy and prayed throughout his life.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pnac.org\/diaconate-ordination\/the-promises\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Pontifical North American College<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#333333\">Obedience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#333333\"><strong>\u201cDo you promise respect and obedience to your ordinary and his successors?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-945ebb6\" data-block-id=\"945ebb6\"><style>.stk-945ebb6 .stk--block-align-945ebb6{align-items:stretch !important}.stk-945ebb6{min-height:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important}.stk-945ebb6-column{--stk-column-gap:30px !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--block-align-945ebb6 stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-945ebb6-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-a9ad99c stk-block-background\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"a9ad99c\"><style>.stk-a9ad99c-container{margin-top:12px !important;margin-right:12px !important;margin-bottom:12px !important;margin-left:12px !important;background-color:#ffffff !important;box-shadow:none !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important}.stk-a9ad99c{align-self:stretch !important;background-color:#ffffff !important;box-shadow:0 5px 30px -10px rgba(18,63,82,0.3) !important;margin-bottom:20px !important}.stk-a9ad99c:before{background-color:#ffffff !important}.stk-a9ad99c-container:before{background-color:#ffffff !important}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-a9ad99c-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-a9ad99c-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#435b8f;line-height:1.4\"><strong><em>\u201cThis last promise is made separately from the other two, and each candidate will kneel before the bishop to make it. He commits himself to a life of humble, active obedience. Obedience guarantees that the one body of Christ is united in one mind and heart. It is not a repression of one\u2019s desires or opinions, but a fruitful directing of them to a common goal. Obedience in the Church resembles that which is within any family\u2014in fact, in speaking of priestly obedience, the Catechism states that \u201cthe promise of obedience they make to the bishop at the moment of ordination and the kiss of peace from him at the end of the ordination liturgy mean that the bishop considers them his co-workers, his sons, his brothers and his friends, and that they in return owe him love and obedience\u201d (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1567).\u201d<\/em><\/strong><br><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pnac.org\/diaconate-ordination\/the-promises\/\" target=\"_blank\">The Pontifical North American College<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Priestly Promises Celibacy \u201cA chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises of Him.\u201d 1 Peter 2:9 Celibacy in Scripture Giving up Family: \u201cAnd everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":21,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"featured_image_urls":{"full":"","thumbnail":"","medium":"","medium_large":"","large":"","1536x1536":"","2048x2048":""},"post_excerpt_stackable":"<p>Priestly Promises Celibacy \u201cA chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises of Him.\u201d 1 Peter 2:9 Celibacy in Scripture Giving up Family: \u201cAnd everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life.\u201d(Matthew 19:29). Celibacy for the Kingdom: \u201cNot all can accept this word, but only those to whom it is granted. Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so;&hellip;<\/p>\n","category_list":"","author_info":{"name":"Archdiocese Staff","url":"https:\/\/www.archbalt.org\/vocations\/author\/angelo-matera\/"},"comments_num":"0 comments","yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Priestly Promises - Vocations<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.archbalt.org\/vocations\/priesthood\/priestly-promises\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Priestly Promises - Vocations\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Priestly Promises Celibacy \u201cA chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises of Him.\u201d 1 Peter 2:9 Celibacy in Scripture Giving up Family: \u201cAnd everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.archbalt.org\/vocations\/priesthood\/priestly-promises\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Vocations\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-10-10T15:14:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.archbalt.org\/vocations\/priesthood\/priestly-promises\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.archbalt.org\/vocations\/priesthood\/priestly-promises\/\",\"name\":\"Priestly Promises - 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