Interesting how as the number of permanent deacons has increased, the number of seminarians has decreased. Also interesting how the dioceses in the US that never introduced the permanent diaconate are thriving in terms of priestly vocations (Wichita and Lincoln, for example). Unfortunately this is not regarded as polite conversation in the Church, but you will definitely hear it around the dinner tables in any American seminary: the question needs to be asked whether the permanent diaconate is helping or hurting the Church.
I believe that clerical celibacy is of apostolic origin, even if it hasn't been universally practiced. "Lord, we have given up wife and children..." (Lk 18) Even the current code of canon law seems to require continence for all clerics (Canon 277 §1). When we propose to young boys, who are just beginning to discern the priesthood, that there is a "Priesthood Lite" without all the sacrifices, I'm afraid we loose some of them. I know early on in my discernment, there was a time when that was a temptation for me.
That t-shirt is…something else.
Not a good likeness. Looks like Ed Asner
I've yet to see a good likeness of Pope Leo. He's not as easily characaturized as other popes.
Interesting how as the number of permanent deacons has increased, the number of seminarians has decreased. Also interesting how the dioceses in the US that never introduced the permanent diaconate are thriving in terms of priestly vocations (Wichita and Lincoln, for example). Unfortunately this is not regarded as polite conversation in the Church, but you will definitely hear it around the dinner tables in any American seminary: the question needs to be asked whether the permanent diaconate is helping or hurting the Church.
I believe that clerical celibacy is of apostolic origin, even if it hasn't been universally practiced. "Lord, we have given up wife and children..." (Lk 18) Even the current code of canon law seems to require continence for all clerics (Canon 277 §1). When we propose to young boys, who are just beginning to discern the priesthood, that there is a "Priesthood Lite" without all the sacrifices, I'm afraid we loose some of them. I know early on in my discernment, there was a time when that was a temptation for me.
Lincoln now has permanent deacons, btw