Category Archives: Clergy Issues

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

Posted in Clergy Issues, Crimes and Sanctions | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Does an Excommunicated Priest Administer Valid Sacraments? (Part I)

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

Posted in Clergy Issues, Crimes and Sanctions | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Canon Law and Priests With Illegitimate Children

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

Posted in Clergy Issues, Holy Mass, The Pope | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Can Traditional-Rite Priests be Forced to Say the Novus Ordo Mass?

When are Priests Required to Give a Homily?

Q: When does a priest have to preach at Mass? My wife and I attend daily Mass at the cathedral, where there are three priests who take turns saying the Mass.  One of them preaches every single day, with no … Continue reading

Posted in Clergy Issues, Holy Mass | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on When are Priests Required to Give a Homily?

Did Benedict XVI Cover Up Clerical Sexual Abuse?

Q: Can you please explain why in Germany they are attacking the Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, claiming that he covered up child sexual abuse by priests when he was Archbishop of Munich?  Can this be true?  I cannot believe it … Continue reading

Posted in Clergy Issues, The Pope | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Did Benedict XVI Cover Up Clerical Sexual Abuse?