Category Archives: Clergy Issues

Can Laypeople Hold Top Vatican Positions?

Q: My husband and I are hoping that you can clear up our confusion about the significance of this article … about Pope Francis reorganizing the different offices in the Vatican.  It sounds to us like the Pope says that … Continue reading

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Does an Excommunicated Priest Administer Valid Sacraments? (Part II)

(Part I of this article was posted on April 28, 2022, and can be read here.) We have been discussing a scenario described to us by John, who wanted to know if his confirmation was administered invalidly.  John was concerned … Continue reading

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Does an Excommunicated Priest Administer Valid Sacraments? (Part I)

Q:  I was confirmed as an adult convert by a priest who had faculties to do so.  Recently, I have noticed that this priest has voiced his personal opinions about Pope Francis that are arguably schismatic. For example, that the … Continue reading

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Canon Law and Priests With Illegitimate Children

Q: What are the canonical effects of a priest fathering a child?  A few priests in my diocese have left over the decades in this situation…. A priest being involved in adultery is undoubtedly a horrible sin, at least in … Continue reading

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Can Traditional-Rite Priests be Forced to Say the Novus Ordo Mass?

Q:  I am wondering if priests of Ecclesia Dei communities, such as the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, are subject to the diocesan bishop, specifically prohibitions against celebrating the Tridentine Mass… –Denise

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