I'm still fairly new to Houston and because I'm Byzantine Catholic, I don't know many Latin Catholic clergy.
Ryan, With all that education it would be a horrible to let it all go to waste. Isn't there a Byzantine Catholic bishop who would consider you for the priesthood? who is your bishop? Is he in favor working with a married priests? Don't they have a need for a priest in Texas? I might even attend and worship with you.
You mentioned religious education and sales. Hmmmm. Sounds like you can really become a Byzantine Evangelist. Doe syour church want new members?
I can understand the situation with your wife and her family. You are a good man to consider her feelings. But maybe you and your wife can pray together about what is the right thing to do. My Byzantine Catholic family and friends tell me that their bishops ordain married men here. With the priest shortage in the Catholic religion, I am sure there are church shepherds looking for a few good men. It might also mean that you and your family would have to move. she can help you build a church family. I know this may be difficult, but please consider the new joys and triumphs you both can make. I have a sister and wife who both did not want to move because of family reasons. They felt guilty for levaing them behind. But once they moved for greater things they found that they were actually closer to their family, called them more often, and their visits were more cherished. Offer your souls to God and your wills to his and let it happen, man. But you both gotta be holding hands in his eyes when you do then any new direction is possible.
If I was a Byzantine Catholic bishop, I would invite you to meet with me to discuss what you can do for the Byzantine Cathlic Church where it really counts right now --- becoming a shepherd to tend to his flock. It would dishearten me to see you leave without having been given a chance to make a difference in your own church.
Eddie Hashinsky
