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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What are Holy Orders?
A: Holy Orders are the indelible mark placed on the soul by the Holy Spirit that sets a man aside for special ministry. Major Holy Orders are comprised of Deacon, Priest, and Bishop. The Minor Orders are Porter, Lector, Exorcist, Acolyte, and Sub-Deacon.

Q: Do you ordain women?
A: We appoint women to traditional offices, including Deaconess. However, the Holy Orders of Deacon, Priest, and Bishop have always been, as a matter of doctrine, reserved to men. To change such a doctrine in a way that would be legitimate and universal requires the decision of an ecumenical council.

Q: Can clergy marry?
A: This is a matter of discipline, so a clergyman may marry, provided he and his intended are free to do so and have the permission of his religious superior.

Q: What about divorce?
A: Divorce is one of the biggest problems facing society today. A sacramental marriage cannot be dissolved, particularly by a secular authority. However, a marriage that has been ended by a civil authority can be annulled by a church tribunal. In such a case, the marriage is said sacramentally never to have existed in the first place. Once an annullment is in place, the persons are free to marry in the church again.

Q: What is the difference between a Deacon, Priest, and Bishop?

A:

A Deacon is a man in Holy Orders whose special function is to serve the bishop. He also has certain liturgical functions, such as reading the Gospel at the mass. Those entering Holy Orders must start as a Deacon.

A priest has all the faculties of a Deacon, but can also hear confession, pronounce blessings and absolution, and, most importantly, celebrate the holy mass.

A bishop has the fullness of Christ's priesthood. He has all the faculties of a Deacon and a Priest, and additionally has the authority to administer the sacraments of confirmation and ordination.

Q: What are the types of Bishops and Archbishops?

A:

Bishops are usually in charge of a jurisdiction called a Diocese, which (usually) comprises a number of parishes, but may also be for a special purpose and not territorial. This type of Bishop is called a Bishop Ordinary, a Diocesan Bishop, or simply an Ordinary. In some jurisdictions, the Bishop is elected by the clergy. In others, the Bishop is selected and appointed by a higher authority over the Diocese.

A Bishop Co-adjutor assists the Bishop Ordinary, and has the right of succession to the Diocesan Bishop position.

A Suffragan Bishop or Auxiliary Bishop is an assistant to the Bishop Ordinary, but has no right of succession. All Bishops hold the fullness of Christ's priesthood and have been consecrated. These differences merely pertain to their role in the church.

An Archbishop is the highest rank of Bishop, but it is not another level of Holy Orders. An Archbishop is most commonly in charge of an Archdiocese, but may simply hold the rank. A Metropolitan Archbishop is typically in charge of an Archdiocese and also has jurisdiction over other Dioceses. In some jurisdictions, the Archbishop is elected by the Bishops under his authority. In other cases, the Archbishop is appointed by a higher authority.

As with Holy Orders, the rank of Archbishop cannot be claimed on one's own initiative; it must be granted. In some instances, these Archiepiscopal or Metropolitan jurisdictions may be for a special purpose, rather than territorial, and hold the Metropolitan authority for the purpose of ministering to those in their care. For example, this could include a military Archdiocese for military chaplains.

Q: What about Canons, Archdeacons, and Deans?

A:

A Canon is a member of a Chapter (group of priests) of the Cathedral or Diocese/Archdiocese. It is a special honor bestowed on a priest (and rarely on a Deacon or layman) by his Bishop. The privileges, duties, and rights vary from Bishop to Bishop.

A Dean is superior in rank to a Canon and heads up the Cathedral Parish, a Deanery (collection of parishes within a Diocese), or some other major Diocesan office.

An Archdeacon is the chief assistant to the Bishop, and is usually a priest. There is usually only one Archdeacon in a Diocese at a time.

Q: How do I become a priest?
A: This requires study, discernment, and an examination of calling.

Q: What does it mean to be "Anglican Rite Roman Catholic?"

A: This Church's name reflects that it is a particular Church in both Anglican and Roman Catholic Apostolic Succession. As such, the Church enjoys the heritage of both expressions of the Christian Faith. This is particularly significant since it was Rome that founded the Anglican Church when St. Augustine of Canterbury was sent by Pope Gregory the Great to the British Isles. We also enjoy the blessing and privilege of independence of government by virtue of descent from the See of Utrecht, granted autonomy by the Holy See in 1145. By being blessed with and accepting our true nature as an Anglican and Roman Particular Church, we have achieved a special sort of unity so rarely seen in the Church since the Protestant Reformation.

Q: Doesn't "Roman Catholic" mean that you are under direct Papal leadership?

A: No, it does not. In fact, "Roman Catholic" was a term created by Anglicans. It simply refers to the Church stemming from Rome. Not all such Churches are under direct Papal leadership. For example, other Old Roman Catholic and Old Catholic Churches are not under direct Papal leadership. The Churches under direct Papal leadership are often known as the "Roman Communion."

Q: Under what Bishop will I be while I'm a postulant?

A: As a postulant or seminarian, you will be under the jurisdiction of the Bishop in whose diocese you are canonically resident. Usually this means that you live somewhere within his territory. The Bishop to whom you are assigned depends ultimately on what will serve the needs of the Church best, and this assignment is made upon acceptance as a postulant, after you have completed your application.

Q: Does the ARRCC provide financial or other support to seminarians?

A: The ARRCC provides pastoral oversight and moral support, but does not provide financial support. Seminarians may, when possible, take out private or public academic loans to pursue their theological formation. Or, they may seek private arrangements with persons or organizations that might wish to fund their studies. These are private arrangements made by the individual seminarian, and the Church cannot become involved.

Q: I do not think I can afford to attend a seminary. What other options do I have?

A: Many students think they cannot afford seminary, though there are many options available to them. However, if this truly is not possible, then there are, in limited cases, independent study options in which the postulant studies under a priest assigned for this purpose. However, while this option has various benefits, you should be advised that not all postulants are well-suited to this approach, and you may end up taking longer to complete the program than if you went to a seminary.

Q: There is no ARRCC parish in my area. What will I be doing as a priest? Do I have to move?

A: You do not have to move (unless you want to). If there is no parish in your area, you are generally expected to found a parish. While this is a daunting task for some, all that is really required is a little faith.

Q: Will I have to take an oath to be ordained?

A: Yes. To be commissioned to the Minor Orders, and again when you are ordained to the Major Orders as a Deacon, you will be required to sign an oath to uphold the Faith, Doctrine, and Canon Law, and to be obedient to ecclesiastical jurisdiction. This oath is sometimes given in a ceremony.

Q: What if I am married?

A: By Anglican custom, all ranks of clergy may be married, provided it is done in accordance with Canon Law. You can still be ordained if married, provided your marriage is lawful under Canon Law. If you have been previously married and divorced, those marriages must be annulled if they have not already been. Depending on individual circumstances pertaining to past marriage(s), restrictions may be placed on ability to obtain an annulment on the current marriage due to the impact this may have on the clerical state. Also, before you can be ordained to the Major Orders, your wife must sign the oath of assent and support, in which she both professes that she agrees to your ordination and promises to support you in your ministry. This oath also is sometimes signed in a ceremony provided in the Pontificale Anglicanum.

Q: If I am unmarried, take Holy Orders, and then later wish to marry, can I do this?

A: Yes, provided it is done properly under Canon Law. Clerics at the rank of Deacon and above must have the permission of their ecclesiastical superior to marry. There is an oath of support for your ministry that your future spouse must sign as well. This oath also is sometimes signed in a ceremony provided in the Pontificale Anglicanum.

Q: If I have more questions about the ministry, to whom should I speak?

A: During the discernment phase, you should talk to a priest you know personally, whether or not he is at your parish. You will need such a priest to recommend you for the ministry, anyway. The Curia handles administrative matters, and as such is not the most appropriate venue for asking discernment questions. Also, you may consult Canon Law.

Q: Why do I have to fill out the application and provide identification before beginning the process?

A: So we know who you are! All clergy must uphold a sacred trust, and therefore must pass a background investigation, a physical examination, and a psychological examination prior to ordination, as well as sign the Church's Child Protection Policy. Once you fill out and submit your application, we know you are serious about the ministry. Then, if accepted, we will get you started on the path towards possible ordination.