Celibacy as Lived Experience: An Overview

Product Description

Overview

This session provides an overview of key facets to be understood and examined when forming and evaluating candidates and community members for chaste celibacy. Particular attention is given to exploring the various theologies of celibacy and other motives (both healthy and unhealthy) that draw and keep individuals in the celibate life.

This presentation is one of four in the Living Celibacy webinar series. Learn More

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

1. Identify the major components recommended for celibacy formation programs;
2. Differentiate between healthy and unhealthy motives for pursuing the celibate life; and
3. Identify major theologies of celibacy and their relationship to priesthood and different charisms within religious life.

Who Should Participate

Priests, deacons, religious, diocesan lay ministers, parish staff, seminarians, and those involved in vocations, formation, and personnel needs.

Reflection Questions

Questions for reflection and discussion prior to the learning session are provided below.

1. What systems does my diocese/seminary/religious community have in place for educating candidates about theologies of celibacy?
2. Who is charged with helping candidates clarify their motives for celibacy in my formation program? What qualities might he/she need for this work?
3. How have I seen my own motives for celibacy evolve over the course of my life as a priest or religious?