Leaving The Priesthood

[dlz7486]

What types of sins would cause a priest to leave his position, either willingly or forcefully? Do these sins have to be committed to a certain degree, or can a priest be removed from his position for committing a sin just once?

Do the same regulations apply for nuns, brothers, and both diocesan and religious priests?

Just wondering. Thanks!

[Pio Nono]

JMJ
12/26 - The Holy Family (St. Stephen the Protomartyr)

dlz7486,

It is always sad when a priest decides to abandon his post; however, it is [i]always[/i] due to the abandoning of prayer in one form or another. There are also other factors - development of psychological imbalance, poor formation, unrealistic expectations - but in the end, if a man is a perfectly operational human being and he leaves the priesthood, it is due to a lack of prayer life.

Public, flagrant and grevious sins (assistance in an abortion, murder, &c.) can cause a priest to be defrocked - if these occur, it's "one strike and you're out." Hope this helps.

Yours,
Pio Nono