What Happens When You Stop Being a Priest?
The simple answer is that when a priest stops being a priest, several profound changes occur, encompassing their legal status within the Church, their permitted activities, and their spiritual role, though some aspects of ordination are considered indelible. He transitions from a cleric to a layperson, which is formally called laicization. While the sacrament of ordination is considered permanent, the permission to function as a priest is revoked. This means he can no longer perform most sacramental duties, such as celebrating Mass, hearing confessions, or administering the sacraments. However, the process and implications vary depending on whether the departure is voluntary or involuntary (due to dismissal by the Church). The individual is released from the obligations of the priesthood, including celibacy.
Leaving the Priesthood: A Deeper Dive
The decision to leave the priesthood is rarely taken lightly. It can stem from various factors, including personal struggles, disillusionment with the Church, or a desire to marry and start a family. Let’s explore the different pathways and consequences:
Voluntary Laicization
This is the most common route. A priest, for personal reasons, petitions the Vatican for permission to be laicized. This involves a formal request and often a period of reflection and consultation with his bishop. The Vatican typically grants these requests, releasing the priest from his obligations and restoring him to the lay state.
Involuntary Dismissal
In more serious cases, a priest may be dismissed from the priesthood due to misconduct or violation of canon law. This is a more severe process, often involving an investigation and legal proceedings within the Church.
The Lingering Ordination
It’s crucial to understand the distinction between legal status and sacramental character. The Church teaches that ordination leaves an indelible mark on the soul. This means that, according to Catholic doctrine, a man who has been validly ordained remains a priest “forever” in a spiritual sense, even if he is no longer functioning as one. This is similar to baptism, which cannot be undone.
Life After the Priesthood
After laicization, a former priest’s life changes significantly. He is now free to pursue a different career, marry (though he would need special dispensation from the Church to marry in the Church), and live as a layperson. However, the transition can be challenging. He may face social stigma, questions from family and friends, and the need to rebuild his identity outside the context of the priesthood.
The path back isn’t impossible, though. The article mentions over 11,000 priests have returned to the priesthood after a period of absence.
The Games Learning Society, highlights the importance of learning and adaptation, which are vital skills in navigating major life transitions like leaving the priesthood.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the complexities of leaving the priesthood:
1. Can a priest simply “quit” the priesthood?
Yes, a priest can leave the priesthood through a process called voluntary laicization. He needs to petition the Vatican, and if granted, he is released from his priestly obligations.
2. What is laicization?
Laicization is the process by which a priest is dismissed from the clerical state and returned to the lay state. He no longer functions as a priest, though his ordination is considered permanent by the Church.
3. Is it possible for a priest to get married after leaving the priesthood?
Yes, a laicized priest is free to marry. However, if he wishes to marry within the Catholic Church, he will need to obtain a dispensation from the impediment of Holy Orders.
4. Does leaving the priesthood mean you are excommunicated?
Not necessarily. A priest is automatically excommunicated if he leaves the priesthood without Vatican approval. However, if he goes through the proper channels and receives laicization, he is not excommunicated.
5. Can a priest return to the priesthood after leaving?
Yes, it is possible, though it requires a formal process and approval from the Church. The article mentioned over 11,000 priests have returned in a 40-year period.
6. Does the Church consider a former priest still a priest in some sense?
Yes, the Church believes that ordination leaves an indelible mark, meaning that a man remains a priest in a spiritual sense, even if he is no longer functioning as one.
7. What are the main reasons why priests leave the priesthood?
Reasons vary, but common factors include personal struggles, disillusionment with the Church, a desire to marry, and difficulties with the demands of celibacy.
8. What happens if a priest fathers a child?
Church law does not automatically require a priest to leave the priesthood for fathering a child. However, the situation would likely lead to scrutiny and pressure to consider laicization.
9. What is the process for a priest to request laicization?
The priest would typically consult with his bishop, take a leave of absence, and then submit a formal request to the Vatican, outlining his reasons for wanting to leave the priesthood.
10. Is it difficult to leave the priesthood?
While the process is formal and requires Vatican approval, most requests for laicization are granted.
11. What happens to a priest who breaks his vow of celibacy?
Breaking the vow of celibacy is considered a sin. If the priest is repentant, he would go to confession. If he is unrepentant, he may be encouraged to seek laicization.
12. What are the potential challenges for a former priest after laicization?
Challenges can include social stigma, questions from family and friends, financial difficulties, and the need to rebuild his identity outside the priesthood.
13. Are there any statistics on how many priests leave the priesthood?
The article mentions that in 40 years, 69,063 priests have left the priesthood, while 11,213 have returned.
14. How does the Catholic Church view celibacy?
The Catholic Church values celibacy for priests, believing it allows them to dedicate themselves fully to God and the Church. However, it is a discipline, not a doctrine, and there are exceptions, particularly for married converts from other Christian denominations.
15. What are some of the sins that can lead to excommunication?
The Codex Juris Canonici specifies actions that incur excommunication, including abortion, heresy, and violating the confidentiality of confession. Leaving the priesthood without approval can also lead to excommunication.
In conclusion, leaving the priesthood is a complex process with significant implications for the individual involved. While the sacrament of ordination is considered permanent, the priest’s legal status and permitted activities change dramatically, requiring adaptation and resilience to navigate life beyond the ministry.