Why can’t priests marry?

Priestly celibacy is a gift that allows priests to share themselves completely with their parishioners. A married couple promises to be in an exclusive relationship with each other, but a priest is called to be in relationship with all the children of God under his care. That is why he is called “Father”. They are his spiritual children. Priests freely embrace celibacy “for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.” They consecrate themselves completely to the Lord and to “the affairs of the Lord.”

Priestly celibacy is not a condemnation of marriage. The Church celebrates marriage as well. But we look to Jesus as the perfect role model for living a life of service to the Church and her children. Having said all that, celibacy is a matter of discipline in the Roman Catholic Church, not a dogma. There are exceptions, as when a Lutheran minister or Episcopalian priest becomes Catholic, he is allowed to become ordained in the Catholic Church, even though he has a wife. However, once ordained he may not marry.

Know your faith. Live your faith. Teach your faith.