Tag Archives: priest

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 , , , | Comments Off on How Are Priests Selected to be Bishops?

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 , , , | Comments Off on What Does it Mean to “Defrock” a Priest?

Can a Priest Administer the Sacrament of Confirmation?

Q: A friend’s husband is going to become a Catholic this year at the Easter Vigil. He wasn’t raised in any faith at all. My friend says that the pastor will administer three sacraments all at the Vigil Mass: baptism, … Continue reading

Posted in Clergy Issues, Confirmation | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Can a Priest Administer the Sacrament of Confirmation?

Can a Bishop Forbid a Priest to Say Mass?

Q: Some women in our diocese have started a prayer-group, and somehow they got on the wrong side of the bishop, who has told them privately to tone it down. Among other things, they wanted a priest who’s not from … Continue reading

Posted in Clergy Issues, Holy Mass | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Can a Bishop Forbid a Priest to Say Mass?

Can a Priest Ever Return to the Lay State?

Q: I thought once a man was ordained a priest, he is always a priest. So how is it that some priests get permission to leave the priesthood and get married?  Sometimes you hear about somebody being a “former priest,” … Continue reading

Posted in Clergy Issues | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Can a Priest Ever Return to the Lay State?