text: And, if you want spiritual direction, it's very helpful to have someone who's walked a mile in your shoes.  Such a person may not always be available, but that's no reason not to value those who have much needed experience.  In any event, the real issue here is whether the goal or objective being served by a clergy restricted to people who are single, celibate males as opposed to having a clergy that is composed of people called by God to, as it were, proclaim the good news and shepherd the flock.  Since God is clearly calling married men, and women for that matter, it seems rather churlish for the Church to be say 'no, no, no ...'  We pray fervently for an increase in vocations, and then say no to the people God sends to answer those prayers.