So a Catholic priest isnβt forbidden from consuming alcohol or other drugs, provided they were legal wherever he lives. However, he would get in trouble and perhaps defrocked if his behavior while imbibing did not reflect the morals and attitudes of the Catholic Church. Iβve seen in my childhood many a priest having a beer in the beer tent during the church festivals or enjoying wine or bourbon at a dinner with a church family. Itβs expected of him to act responsibly at all times, so perfectly fine for him to do so if he can be a responsible adult about it.
this post was submitted on 28 Aug 2025
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It's my understanding that catholic priests do whatever the hell they want until they get caught.
Until? Even when they get caught, they just get the Vatican equivalent of Witness Protection. Relocate and continue as you were.
They literally have to chug a cup of wine every time they do mass, it's part of the ceremony. The alcohol percentage and fullness of the cup is negotiable, but the act isn't
If they had a problem, they'd probably get treatment first. Forgiveness is a big part of the deal, plus each priest is a large investment
To get defrocked, they'd have to cause a problem, either a big problem or a pattern that makes them unable to fulfill their duties
Relevant bit: the wine in question can be must. As in, the grape juice is prepared in every single way as if you were going to ferment it, but you don't, so there's zero alcohol. That's what they get if, for example, they have a drinking problem.
I did know they could drink non alcoholic wine, but I've never heard the term must before. Cool
They get paid, so they can spend the money on whatever they see fit.
https://handbook.la-archdiocese.org/chapter-5/section-5-13/topic-5-13-7
I don't think that's what the OP intended to ask.
Receiving a salary doesn't mean a clergyman can run around drunk and stoned, there are other guidelines to follow that aren't publicly available.
Yeah, I think you're right that I read it wrong. I believe CrimsonMishaps said it right.
How much would a regular politician be allowed to have..?
I see that as the same context as your question. Priests are not saints. They are human beings with faults and blunder, aches and pains just like politicians.
So my answer is...I don't feel we can determine what a priest, lawyer, politician, doctor or whomever holds a special standing in life what he/she should indulge in.. There is enough judging in this work.