[frogjerk]

So Jesus believes that those that remain celibate for the Kingdom of Heaven "have issues?" No, I never said that.

You implied that any man that wants to remain celibate probably has issues.

BTW, Does God really care? SRS. I guess Jesus' words are empty to you then.

How about reading up the reason for priestly celibacy... maybe the Catechism CCC 1579

All the ordained ministers of the Latin Church, with the exception of permanent deacons, are normally chosen from among men of faith who live a celibate life and who intend to remain celibate "for the sake of the kingdom of heaven." Called to consecrate themselves with undivided heart to the Lord and to "the affairs of the Lord," they give themselves entirely to God and to men. Celibacy is a sign of this new life to the service of which the Church's minister is consecrated; accepted with a joyous heart celibacy radiantly proclaims the Reign of God.

We have a family friend who wants to become a priest but is married. He probably does more for the church than many priest, Eucharist minister (sic), teaches Sunday CCW, Works hard for Knights of Columbus etc.

Why doesn't he enter the permanent diaconate where he can serve the Church?

[hoyt-clagwell]

The Catholic Church wanted unmarried men back in the early days becuse they came from the wealthy class i.e. literate and they wanted their money when they died. Simple as that. It was a money issue to the church from Day 1.

Do you seriously think God thinks lesser of a pastor who is married..who may have actually done more to spread the word of God during his life than say a particular priest??

This silly old fashioned arcane(sic) view of celibacy is what is driving away people from the church in droves.