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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. Holy Orders are comprised of Deacon,
Priest, and Bishop.
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?
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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?
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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, as
well as the Archdiocese of the Southwest as a mission-based personal prelature. |
Q: What
about Canons, Archdeacons, and Deans?
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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.
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