Returning Catholics FAQs: Celibacy

On Mondays, I answer questions frequently asked by those considering a return to the Catholic Church. How do I know this stuff? I was away for more than 30 years myself, and am the co-author of When They Come Home: Ways to Welcome Returning Catholics , a book for pastors and parish leaders interested in this ministry.

Why can’t priests marry? Peter was married, and so were some of the popes. And my Protestant and non-denominational friends have some terrific pastors who are married—with kids.

Ye...