Since 1983, more than 80 former Episcopalian priests - all of them married - have been ordained for priestly ministry in Catholic dioceses across the United States under the Church's "Pastoral Provision."

In 1980, the Holy See, in response to requests from priests and laity of the Anglican or Episcopal Church who were seeking full communion with the Catholic Church, created a Pastoral Provision to provide them with special pastoral attention. The Pastoral Provision is under the jurisdiction of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (currently headed by Cardinal William Levada), whose Ecclesiastical Delegate (presently Archbishop John Meyers of Newark, N.J.) directs the workings of the provision.

Under the Pastoral Provision, the ordination of married men who had been Episcopal priests was made possible in certain circumstances. These men must first be accepted as candidates, and then must receive theological, spiritual and pastoral preparation for ministry in the Catholic Church. The provision also allows former Episcopalian priests who are married to be ordained to the Catholic priesthood with a dispensation from the law of celibacy.

The Pastoral Provision serves two benefits, said Vincentian Father Thomas Anslow, vicar for canonical services for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

"The provision is for the spiritual good of the person being received in the Catholic Church," said Father Anslow. "It recognizes their past ministry as a priest in the Episcopal Church, and it allows them to continue filling that vocational role. The Catholic Church is able to make use of the man's experience and capabilities, and that's good for the church."

For more information, see www.pastoralprovision.org.