Fr. Joseph Wilson discusses the potential problems with optional celibacy for Latin rite priests. Mandatory celibacy is a discipline, not a dogma, but just because it’s not hard and fast law for all time does not mean there isn’t a good reason for it.
Fr. Wilson touches on all the good practical reasons. When I lived in a rectory I was amazed at the amount of time that priests put into their vocation. It isn’t like being a Protestant minister, but it’s a 24-hour-a-day task.
The priesthood isn’t a profession like being a banker. It’s a vocation like being a husband and both demand your full-time attention. If you try to be both, one will suffer. That’s my layman’s opinion.
