Irregular Priest

My lovely wife sent me the following link.

It is a NY Times article, concerning married priests. Probably one of the best articles I've come across in a long time.

I would recommend reading it...as the introduction to what follows.

Not only is the essay well researched, the argument is very pragmatic and rational.

She calls for Pope Francis to open the priesthood to married men. Okay, Okay...just hear me out.....

For those who may be reading this for the first time, allow me to briefly share some background.

I was ordained a Roman Catholic priest.

I left the priesthood and married my lovely wife.

We became Episcopal and I was welcomed as an Episcopal priest.

Years later, we returned to the Roman Catholic faith, following a rather remarkable conversion story orchestrated by the Blessed Mother.

In the years that followed our return I have wrestled with only one difficult teaching in the RC faith.

According to canon law (the law of the Church) I am not permitted to celebrate the Sacraments, except to offer Reconciliation and last rites in danger of death to an individual when a 'regular' priest cannot be found.

My son sums it up best as 'jedi priest'

So, I am not allowed any 'regular' celebration of the Sacraments. In other words I am not permitted to do what I was 'ontologically' graced to 'do'.

Now, there are multiple reasons for this regulation--all of which exist in order to protect the faith--I understand.

Still, simply stated----no priesting.

But...

I don't want to be a parish priest.

I don't want to have parish council meetings, plan weddings, or worry about a cemetery and parish school (few that are)

I've always been clear on those above points.

But the one thing I miss? Praying and celebrating Holy Eucharist and hearing Confessions.

The one thing that probably is needed more than ever in this world.

But I am not allowed.

It is a spiritual fact of my life and I wrestle with it almost everyday.

When we first returned to the faith, I was ok with it. I just wanted to be able to receive Holy Communion and go to Confession and be in the 'graces' of the Church.

But I have to tell you, not celebrating Holy Eucharist or offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation...is very difficult.

I don't know why. I am fulfilled and blessed, and I know I am, to be married. I have peace--

But that gnawing---ontological---desire.

I have sought spiritual counsel and insight. I have entered into multiple discerning moments--maybe I ought to offer a private Mass at home--for the souls in purgatory, for the sick and suffering? What harm could come? Would my soul be harmed, my family's soul?

For years I have gone round and round.

The NY Time's article was good--it gave a fresh voice to an age old rational argument. But there is so much more.

Maybe there are guys out there, like me---maybe a hundred or so who have no agenda, who have no desire to 'take' over the celibate contingent, who have no need to be in charge, who are fulfilled and yet could offer what they were ordained to do---offer the sacrifice of the Holy Mass and hear Confessions.

Maybe the 'irregulars' (my term for this group I'm in) don't need a salary or a rectory. I wouldn't expect any money or even reimbursement, My ordination was a gift from God (an act of love, just as marriage is a gift ) thus an 'irregular priest could offer the sacraments--truly as they were meant to be--freely given.

Maybe the irregular could sit in a confessional or offer a daily Mass--for times that aren't set in stone. Really how many working class people can go to morning Mass and make it to work? In one parish where my wife attended--she had to leave following Holy Communion in order to begin seeing patients on time at the office--the priest scolded her--really?

The reality for many parishes is that the morning Mass group are retirees...which is nice--but what about the person who must work all hours in order to provide for their family? I haven't seen too many parishes (actually I can't recall any) that offer some other schedule solution for the people of God to receive the sacraments--irregulars could possible help in this area. (sorry I digress).

Since the publication of A Lost Shepherd, a few priests who left the active ministry have contacted me and I have come to realize that there really is a diaspora. So for now the irregulars or jedi priests must simply sit and wait--more than 40 years---There really is nothing more that can be done. To push for change would be interpreted as agenda driven and perhaps too 'liberal' and Lord knows--there is enough of that in the Church some of which even comes from the 'regulars'.

Come Holy Spirit, enkindle in us the fire of your love.....and, one day, may we freely give and share the gifts you have given us.