Catholic Position

¶1579 All the ordained ministers of the Latin Church, with the
exception of permanent deacons, are normally chosen from among men of
faith who live a celibate life and who intend to remain celibate “for
the sake of the kingdom of heaven.” Called to consecrate themselves
with undivided heart to the Lord and to “the affairs of the Lord,” they
give themselves entirely to God and to men. Celibacy is a sign of this
new life to the service of which the Church’s minister is consecrated;
accepted with a joyous heart celibacy radiantly proclaims the Reign of
God.

Scripture Says

Hebrews 13:4
4  Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

1 Timothy 3:2, 12
2  A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife,
vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
12  Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.


Genesis 2:18
18 ¶  And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.


1 Timothy 4:1-3
1 ¶  Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times
some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and
doctrines of devils;
2  Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3  Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats,
which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which
believe and know the truth.


Mark 1:30
30  But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.

Commentary

• Even the Old Testament priests, after whom Catholic priesthood is loosely patterned, were married.
• Is the celibate person more holy than the married one?
• Is not the true Church called the “bride of Christ”?