Category Archives: Clergy Issues

How Much Financial Support Are We Required to Give Retired Bishops?

Q:  I heard our bishop say that he was entitled to “a car, a house, and a secretary” upon retirement.  He claimed that canon law provides for this. Canon 402.2 states that a Conference of Bishops can specify the “suitable … Continue reading

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When Can a Bishop Lawfully Transfer a Pastor to Another Parish?

Q:  I belong to a very large parish… Up until a couple of years ago we had an excellent pastor who was not only well-liked by nearly everyone in the parish, but had many years of experience, and was instrumental … Continue reading

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Becoming a Hermit in the 21st Century

Q: I’m a priest of the diocese of X. Presently, I’m considering becoming a hermit according to canon 603.  The process seems far more difficult than incardinating into another diocese or religious order….  Under what circumstances can the bishop refuse … Continue reading

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Bishops Interfering in Parish Ministry, Part II

Q:  The bishop of [a diocese in the US] is giving an annual retreat which nearly every priest in the diocese must attend, leaving parishes without priests, daily Mass, and access to the sacraments for four days.  He stated that … Continue reading

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Bishops Interfering in Parish Ministry, Part I

Q: I am a priest in the Diocese of X….  Our bishop has told us pastors that we must all submit our schedule of Masses to his office for approval.  He has mandated a maximum number of Masses we pastors … Continue reading

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