Survey on Mandatory Celibacy, 2003-2004

Monterey Diocese Comments (Number corresponds to the order in which surveys were opened.)

#41 No answers returned only top of survey letter
Nice try, but I don't have much hope for this, given the present top leadership of the Church.

#42 Yes 51-60 Order
Thanks for bring this topicc to our local Church. If we are to remain a SACRAMENTAL/EUCHARISTIC CENTERED Community that is nurtured through the Sacraments then we need a viable and diverse PRIESTHOOD.
We are on a dangerous theological track that puts the sacraments at the service of a celibate priestly ministry.

#43 No Over 70
I was married 36 years,. Marriage is a full time commitment. Now I am a priest, that also is a full time commitment. If you want a married clergy you have to redefine the role of priesthood to be more of an avocation that a vocation.
Ask some married deacons if they honestly believe they could step up to full time priesthood.
In my opinion it won't work. It may produce excellent preachers and teachers and great experience of family life but not dedicated priests.

#44 Yes 61-70
Ironically I got this survey questionaire just 1/2 hr before mass at which I gave this enclosed Homily! The Gospel was Jesus' curing of Peter's mother-in-law.
The first Pope was married. Jesus cured Pope Peter I's mother-in-law.
Tradition tells us most of the Apostle, with the possible exception of St. John, were all married men with families. --St. Paul--Bishops should be married but once...
We have a longer tradition of married clergy than we do celibate-- 1100 years of a married priesthood.
Today Catholic priests of the Byzantine Catholic Church are married.
So what's wrong with a Roman Catholic married clergy. Why not ordain married Roman Catholic men as priest. I don't know! Do you?