Rochester Diocese Ordains Married Man As A Priest

06.14.11 | Sarah Harnisch

For the first time in Rochester history, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester has ordained a priest who is married. Scott Caton of Spencerport -- a former Protestant minister and father of six -- was ordained on Saturday, June 11.  Caton converted to Catholicism in 2000 and had to complete a decade-long process before receiving permission to be ordained from the Pope himself. Generally, priesthood is reserved for single, celibate men, but an 1980 rule allows for exceptions on a case-by-case basis.