The Eastern Christians have it right --- celibacy is dangerous and difficult outside of religious community. And in the sex (and money and power) obsessed society in which we live, it is even more difficult.

Before we start talking about changing the celibacy discipline, before we condemn our priests for their inperfections, we have to be certain that in our Church we have the support systems necessary for our celibate secular clergy to live that commitment in a faithful and healthy way. In these days when parishes have only one priest, or even share a priest with a couple of other parishes, overwork and aloneness are a way of life for our priests. Being alone, lonely, and exhausted are not conducive to successful chaste singleness. As any 12-stepper can tell us, if we get too Hungry, or Angry, or Lonely, or Tired, HALT, our besetting problems will rise up to haunt us. And when our priests are not successful, there are not only sexual sins, but particular friendships, alcohol or drug abuse, swamp adder attitudes, and the rest of the litany of problems.

So, how do we nurture our priests? Here's a few suggestions (Feel free to add to the list):

In the cities where the parishes are close enough together, the priests could live together, like the old rectories were when parishes had more than one priest. They then can support each other in their commitments and catch the very earliest signs of trouble coming, and prevent it. Out in the rural and exurban areas, make sure the old deanery systems really work, so every week or every other week all of the priests within a reasonable drive can come together for prayer, support, and frank talk. Celibate is not a synonym for lonely.

Be sure your priest gets time off ---real time off. Not planning meetings or mowing the churchyard, but _OFF_. Maybe a day or a half-day every week, and a week or two vacation and a week or two time off for a retreat every year. Don't let your priest get exhausted, no matter how much you need him. And do not keep him so busy that his spiritual life gets neglected for all of the chores. If necessary, do the chores yourself. Give your priest time every day for a solid prayer life.

And, of course, we have to pray ourselves. The priests cannot provide the holiness of the whole Church all by themselves. Some of it is our job.
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