text: IMHO it might be time to evaluate how we understand priesthood in the practical sense. Does it have to be strictly in a parish/rectory setting? Could a priest also be involved in other areas of ministry or livelihood that would provide financial support, e.g., teaching, nursing, military chaplain, etc? In the military chaplains are paid according to their rank. The married priests I served with did a good job providing ministry and presence, and had a pastoral sense that we celibate males will never help. Not everybody is called to rectory living. There is plenty of room for dialogue and study on this. Stating a priori that married priest won't work out is not a good place to begin. The Holy Spirit is full of surprises. Celibacy is not an essential part of serving as a priest, whether male or female. Ministry of priesthood is not about "power" to change the bread and wine. It is about serving, leading, gathering folks together in prayer. Power has nothing to do with it. Its not magic.