The Catholic church changes the way it deals with sex and its candidates for priesthood

Portland Oregonian ^ | 5/5/2002 | Shelby Oppel

[ex-Texan]

This article appeared as the feature front page article in the Portland Oregonian today.

[uncbob]

Exercise, yoga, dancing -- activities that keep a priest aware of his physical nature -- are important outlets for the energy he won't be able to release through sexual intercourse,

Not True

Studies show exercise and keeping in shape make you better sexually
It is the boozing smoking overweight couch potatoes who need viagra

[Slyfox]

ping

[sinkspur]

Students who are sexually attracted to other men are not automatically rejected. Sexual orientation is not the issue, Paperini says. The issue is the student's commitment to living without sexual relationships.

Well, Cardinal Bevilacqua of Philadephia will not be happy with Fr. Paperini.

[history_matters]

FYI ping

[maryz]

It is the boozing smoking overweight couch potatoes who need viagra

Maybe the seminaries should try advertising to that audience -- according to government reports, it should yield a rich harvest. LOL

[Catholicguy]

The accusations play on dormitory TVs,

TV? Good. THAT will contribute to forming one devoted to Jesus

[Tacis]

So, male candidates who are sexually attracted with little boys who have six fingers on each hand will be ruthlessly excluded from the priesthood lest they sully the reputation of that fine group. Fairies will continue to be encouraged, with a bishop "examining" each new candidate to determine the lad's true calling.

[Salvation]

Amazing that such a positive article appeared in the Oregonian! Wow! A healthy, joyful celibate life is possible, she says, if a priest doesn't deny that his sexual urges exist and if he shares his struggles with close friends.

This says it all, doesn't it? Share with a friend, mentor, reconciliation.

[Salvation]

Well, Cardinal Bevilacqua of Philadephia will not be happy with Fr. Paperini.

And with Portland Archbishop John Vlazny.

[Dr. Scarpetta]

"I tell them it's important just to be able to say to yourself on any given day, and then say to somebody else, 'I feel lonely. I crave somebody to hold me,' " she says.

A priest we knew who left to get married said that lonliness was the worst part.

[sinkspur]

A priest we knew who left to get married said that lonliness was the worst part.

Contrary to popular opinion, it's not the lack of sex which makes celibacy so tough, it's the loneliness.

Getting a dog helps, but it's not enough. It's the assurance that there is SOMEBODY for you, who is there for you, and for nobody else, that makes marriage such a wonderful life.

If somebody told me I had to give up sex for the rest of my life, it wouldn't phase me, because my wife is my anchor and her presence in my life is all I need.

I admire any man who can make Jesus his temporal anchor.

The guys I know who've left all say that they just got to the point where they needed that complementarity that a woman gave them and that they could return.

It's not good for man to be alone.

[ex-Texan]

* ping *

[Lady In Blue]

For Catholic posters who want to say thanks to many wonderful priests,check this out:

Welcome to Our Sunday Visitor

Help us honor our priests this Father's Day!

Recent news stories have focused national attention on a relatively few Catholic clergy involved in terrible scandals. The vast majority of our priests, however, continue to offer themselves daily in faithful and selfless service to the Church and its people.

Our Sunday Visitor would like to honor those priests who have been models of Christ's love for you, our readers, If you know such a priest, please send us his name, parish or ministry, city and state, along with a brief tribute of 25 to 50 words, describing his work, his spirit, and his impact on you or your local community.

All entries must be received by Friday, May 24, so don't delay! We plan to publish as many of these tributes as possible in our Father's Day issue of June 16, 2002.

Send your entries to:

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Or, e-mail them to oursunvis@osv.com and write "Father's Day Tribute" in the subject line.

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My Daily Visitor Verse of the Day for Sunday, May 5, 2002:

Sixth Sunday of Easter
Bible Verse: Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. -- Psalm 66

Mass readings: Acts 8: 5-8, 14-17 / 1 Peter 3: 15-18 / John 14:15-21

Prayer: This is a mystery too great for me, Jesus. I yearn for that experience of union. Are You really that close to me?

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[Jeff Chandler]

You're like the Energizer Bunny, aren't you, Sinky?

[Dialup Llama]

>Questions asked To be admitted, a seminarian must pledge that he hasn't been sexually active for three years before applying.

Somehow this doesn't seem like a super high standard.

[Dialup Llama]

The local Trindentine mass is much more well attended. Wonder if there's a cause and effect here?

[SuziQ]

A priest we knew who left to get married said that lonliness was the worst part.

That is why we faithful Catholics need to keep the priests in our Parish close to our families. have them over for meals and include them in our family gatherings. Let them talk things out.

We had the Associate Pastor over for dessert tonight. I think he appreciated being able to talk frankly and not worry about being 'quoted' around town. Sir SuziQ certainly let him know how HE felt about things, and I think Father appreciated THAT too!