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Category Archives: Clergy Issues
Celibacy and the Priesthood
Q: If Catholic priests have to embrace celibacy, how is it possible for married converts from the Episcopal church to be ordained Catholic priests? This doesn’t make any sense to me. –Phil A: Phil is referencing the Apostolic Constitution signed … Continue reading
Are They Excommunicated? Sanctions, Part IV
Q1: I remember that Archbishop Burke excommunicated a couple of women who claimed that they had been ordained Catholic priests a couple of years ago. Now I read that the Vatican has issued rules about punishing women who do that. … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Crimes and Sanctions, Holy Orders
Tagged canon law, Catholic, excommunication, feminist, women priests
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How Are Priests Selected to be Bishops?
Q1: Is there a way for me to suggest that my pastor someday be made a bishop? –Kevin Q2: Sometimes I hear that this or that new bishop was selected because he’s a good administrator. Doesn’t anybody take into account … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues
Tagged bishop, canon law, Catholic, priest
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What Does it Mean to “Defrock” a Priest?
Q: What does it mean when a priest is “defrocked”? Sorry but it sounds like tearing his clothes off! –Jane A: References to priests being “defrocked” have recently turned up in numerous articles in the newspapers. Perhaps the most infamous … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Crimes and Sanctions
Tagged canon law, Catholic, defrock, priest
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Canon Law and Altar Girls
Q: What does canon law say about altar girls? How did we end up with altar girls after so many centuries without them? –Ginnie A: The whole issue of permitting girls to serve at the altar has become so ideologically … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Holy Mass, Parish Life
Tagged altar girls, canon law, Catholic, Latin
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