If the information on this website has helped you, please consider making a contribution so that it can continue to help others. This is a very “protestant” mentality that unfortunately has become all too common in some Catholic circles here in the U.S. Part II” that if a priest who has been suspended, and thereby prohibited from celebrating Mass, were to do so anyway, it would be a valid Mass! The people must also realize that if they fail to follow the bishop’s order and attend such a forbidden Mass in their diocese, they are committing a direct act of disobedience. If in his judgment the group is engaging in dubious devotional practices or other activities that have caused concern, he has every right to intervene pastorally, for the spiritual good of the people entrusted to his care (cf. A laicized priest– maybe having not functioned as a priest for years– could licitly hear a dying person’s confession and validly absolve him from all sin. Is a laicized priest still a priest? Canon Law # 1582 "As in the case of Baptism and Confirmation this share in Christ's office is granted once for all. Similarly, we saw in the October 18, 2007 column that if a priest who has been suspended, and thereby prohibited from celebrating Mass, were to do so anyway, it would be a valid Mass! But this distinction actually has no basis in either theology or canon law, for the Eucharistic celebration is by its very nature a public act of worship by the Church. Granted, it might happen someday that the mystic-priest whom Ed mentions is publicly acknowledged by the Church to be an authentic model of Christian spirituality. Can a Priest Ever Return to the Lay State? Ed correctly indicates in his question that once a man has been ordained a priest, he and he alone has the power to validly celebrate the Eucharist, consecrating the bread and wine which become, by the priest’s action, the Body and Blood of Christ (c. 900.1). 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. The defrocking means they are free of the rights and responsibilities of the position. If he truly is a bona fide mystic, he may actually be an extremely holy man! But that will not alter the fact that the diocesan bishop has the right to decide that it is better for the faithful of the diocese to steer clear of him today. So if the bishop can prohibit such a priest from saying Mass in a very public setting, like a Sunday Mass in a large parish, he is equally able to prohibit him from saying Mass for a small group. A: Ed’s question highlights an important distinction that must be made, between the sacramental power of an ordained cleric to bring about a spiritual effect (in this case, to celebrate a valid Mass), and the authority of a diocesan bishop to regulate worship and the administration of the sacraments in his diocese. But that will not alter the fact that the diocesan bishop has the right to decide that it is better for the faithful of the diocese to steer clear of him today. Regardless, he wants to enter another diocese and celebrate Mass there. How can a bishop say that a priest cannot say Mass, especially since it would have been a private Mass anyway? In the same post, however, we also saw that priests can, under certain circumstances, be allowed to leave the clerical state and live in the world as laymen again. IN a life or death situation a Priest who is laicized, etc. It’s entirely possible that a Catholic may not like his bishop, and/or may personally be convinced that the bishop’s decision in such a case shows incomplete understanding of the real situation—and that may be true! But in theory, if a laicized priest were to say Mass, it would be a valid Mass, since he never loses the ability to celebrate the Eucharist. Ed correctly indicates in his question that once a man has been ordained a priest, he and he alone has the power to validly celebrate the Eucharist, consecrating the bread and wine which become, by the priest’s action, the Body and Blood of Christ (c. 900.1). He cannot celebrate Mass or any other sacrament – not even privately. 6) He can’t teach theology or any closely related discipline (e.g., religious studies, history of theology) in a non-Catholic university. What Can St. James Teach Us About Redemptive Suffering? Perhaps they are promoting some theological ideas which are of questionable orthodoxy; or maybe they are engaging in devotional activities which in some way are imprudent and/or disrupting general harmony among the faithful—there are any number of possible problems. He was concerned about what was really happening during the “healing ceremonies” which accompanied Archbishop Milingo’s Masses, and rightly wanted to protect the Catholics under his care from an event of questionable spiritual orthodoxy. Regardless, he wants to enter another diocese and celebrate Mass there. He will not be permitted to celebrate Mass … In this situation, however, Archbishop Martini was exercising his authority within the territory of his archdiocese, which he had not only the right, but the responsibility to do. A priest who has been laicized or suspended or excommunicated is not to say Mass, but the Mass, if said, is considered valid. Church laws regarding confession require that priests who are hearing confessions must have valid faculties and jurisdiction. So ho All such activities were prohibited to laicized priests in the past, mostly without exception. The bishop knows full well that this would be impossible! | R. Jared Staudt, PhD. Click here for more information. Cathy Caridi, J.C.L. How can a bishop say that a priest cannot say Mass, especially since it would have been a private Mass anyway? But the bishop found out and intervened, saying (or so I’m told) that the priest was forbidden to say that Mass. 8) He can’t serve as a teacher in a parochial school unless he gets the bishop’s permission. Why Would a Bishop Refuse to Ordain a Seminarian? Some years ago, the then-Archbishop of Milan, Carlo Maria Martini, forbade the African Archbishop Milingo from holding “healing Masses” in the Milan Archdiocese. And while we do not know all the details, the diocesan bishop is concerned about the activities of the prayer-group which invited the priest to come. It would, however, be illicit. … It attracted quite a lot of attention at the time because in this case, one bishop was issuing a command to another bishop, something that under normal circumstances is simply not done! It’s entirely possible that a Catholic may not like his bishop, and/or may personally be convinced that the bishop’s decision in such a case shows incomplete understanding of the real situation-and that may be true! He was formally laicized, a process that included provisions that he avoid his former parish, injunctions which he has largely ignored. Here’s an important point to keep in mind: when Bishop X says that Father Y may not say Mass in Bishop X’s diocese, the bishop is not suggesting in any way that Father is losing his ability, as an ordained priest, to validly offer the Eucharistic sacrifice. 1. This is the reasoning behind canon 906, which states that a priest is actually not supposed to celebrate Mass without at least one other person being present, unless there is a good reason for doing so. The Liturgical Year Reminds Us of What is Truly Important. This is the reasoning behind canon 906, which states that a priest is actually not supposed to celebrate Mass without at least one other person being present, unless there is a good reason for doing so. -Ed. A priest who has been laicized or suspended or excommunicated is not to say Mass, but the Mass, if still said, is considered valid. priest is requesting anyway, there is usually little fear that he will violate this restriction. But this does not give a Catholic the right to second-guess his bishop and do as he pleases. This is a very “protestant” mentality that unfortunately has become all too common in some Catholic circles here in the U.S. In such cases, the laicized priest always retains the ability to say a valid Mass—but he is not permitted by Church authorities to do so. Perhaps they are promoting some theological ideas which are of questionable orthodoxy; or maybe they are engaging in devotional activities which in some way are imprudent and/or disrupting general harmony among the faithful-there are any number of possible problems. Will the Woman Who Attacked the Pope be Punished? Note also that when a bishop issues such a directive, it is ordinarily made not only to the priest himself, but is openly addressed to the faithful of the diocese as well. Catholic Exchange is a project of Sophia Institute Press. Re-post: Can We Receive Holy Communion Twice on Christmas Day? Unsigned/anonymous questions are not read, much less answered (why is it necessary even to mention this?). According to the Canon Law of the Catholic Church, a priest is a priest for life. If the priest were to disobey and offer the Mass there anyway, it would of course be a valid Mass; but it would certainly be illicit. How Can You Tell a Real Law from an Illegal Decree? 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. Yellow_Belle July 16, 2009, 7:10pm #10 That priest would be acting in blatant disregard of the diocesan bishop’s authority and responsibility to oversee the spiritual welfare of his flock — a serious charge indeed! He also raises a good question about public versus private Masses. Liturgical actions, by definition, are not private affairs-even if only a few people are in fact present. We Catholics all understand that sometimes a priest says a public, scheduled Mass, with a congregation composed of anybody who chooses to attend; and sometimes a priest says what is commonly referred to as a “private Mass,” either by himself, or for a family or a particular group. the sacrament of Holy Orders, like the other two, confers an indelible spiritual character and cannot be repeated or conferred temporarily." No. When priests are removed from the priesthood, even for serious sins, the Masses, confessions, etc that they offered as priests are not invalidated. In such cases, the laicized priest always retains the ability to say a valid Mass — but he is not permitted by Church authorities to do so. Laicized priests are still considered priests in the Catholic Church. The last question is the simpler to address. May 4, 2020, 10:06pm #4. None of the content of this website may be reproduced, either in whole or in part, without the advance written permission of the author. Confession can still be done by a laicized priest in an emergency situation. Among other things, they wanted a priest who’s not from our diocese, who has a reputation for being a mystic of some sort, to visit and say a special private Mass for their group in the parish where most of them belong. Cathy Caridi, J.C.L., is an American canon lawyer who practices law and teaches in Rome. –Ed. … All rights reserved. What Happens When a Religious Who’s Vowed Poverty Becomes a Bishop? Similarly, we saw in “Are They Really Catholic? It attracted quite a lot of attention at the time because in this case, one bishop was issuing a command to another bishop, something that under normal circumstances is simply not done! That priest will always have the ability to celebrate Mass; he just can’t celebrate it in this particular diocese. Time has vindicated Archbishop Martini, as Archbishop Milingo was subsequently excommunicated by the Vatican for his bizarre and decidedly un-Catholic statements and actions—and he remains under excommunication to this day. Re-post: Confession and General Absolution. How Many Masses Can a Priest Say on Sundays? Can remeber the Jansenist and guilt that drove guys to arrange this – it got to be ridiculous. She founded this website to provide clear answers to canonical questions asked by ordinary Catholics, without employing all the mysterious legalese that canon lawyers know and love. He was concerned about what was really happening during the “healing ceremonies” which accompanied Archbishop Milingo’s Masses, and rightly wanted to protect the Catholics under his care from an event of questionable spiritual orthodoxy. Here’s an important point to keep in mind: when Bishop X says that Father Y may not say Mass in Bishop X’s diocese, the bishop is not suggesting in any way that Father is losing his ability, as an ordained priest, to validly offer the Eucharistic sacrifice. In such cases, the laicized priest always retains the ability to say a valid Mass—but he is not permitted by Church authorities to do so. Rather, he is banning that particular priest from holding a liturgical celebration in his territory, and at which the Catholic faithful of the bishop’s diocese would be present. Please check the Archives first–it’s likely your question was already addressed. But in theory, if a laicized priest were to say Mass, it would be a valid Mass, since he never loses the ability to celebrate the Eucharist. If in his judgment the group is engaging in dubious devotional practices or other activities that have caused concern, he has every right to intervene pastorally, for the spiritual good of the people entrusted to his care (cf. ... "Even priests who misbehave in significant ways may still remain as priests. He was removed from his residence and forced to live in his [parents'] basement and say Mass in private. Why is Google hiding the posts on this website in its search results? Some years ago, the then-Archbishop of Milan, Carlo Maria Martini, forbade the African Archbishop Milingo from holding “healing Masses” in the Milan Archdiocese. Penance. Now it’s true that the priest whom Ed describes does not seem to fit either of these categories, as he has neither been laicized nor suspended. It’s just a hypothetical situation, it could apply to anything they’re voluntarily laicized for. Laicization in the Roman Catholic Church is the process by which an ordained Catholic minister is removed from the clerical state. A Priest is a Priest for life. Design by Perceptions Studio. Can a Priest Ever Return to the Lay State? Here’s my question: can’t an ordained priest always say Mass if he wants to? In such cases, the laicized priest always retains the ability to say a valid Mass — but he is not permitted by Church authorities to do so. In a statement Aug. 6, the priest said that "in a state of emergency, even laicized or 'former' priests can, and perhaps even are morally … But in either case, since his superiors had forbade him to say Mass at all, it would be illicit, or illegal. They cannot say Mass in public or wear clerical garb in public. c. 383.1), to try to “tone it down,” as Ed put it. A laicized priest is no longer referred to as “Father,” or by any other honorary title given to clerics. As was discussed in the November 12, 2009 column, ordination brings with it an ontological change in the person, which cannot be undone — a priest forever remains a priest. We Catholics all understand that sometimes a priest says a public, scheduled Mass, with a congregation composed of anybody who chooses to attend; and sometimes a priest says what is commonly referred to as a “private Mass,” either by himself, or for a family or a particular group. 4 Likes. But this sort of situation is hardly the norm! He explained that initially he took Communion hosts he had earlier "consecrated in private Masses" to different homes. And while we do not know all the details, the diocesan bishop is concerned about the activities of the prayer-group which invited the priest to come. In this situation, however, Archbishop Martini was exercising his authority within the territory of his archdiocese, which he had not only the right, but the responsibility to do. So if the bishop can prohibit such a priest from saying Mass in a very public setting, like a Sunday Mass in a large parish, he is equally able to prohibit him from saying Mass for a small group. A priest can validly say Mass from ordination to his death. Frequently there is a good reason—imagine, for example, a priest who has to catch a plane at 7 AM and wants to say his Mass before leaving, so early that nobody else will be awake. The short answer is that yes, it is possible for a laicized priest to be reinstated to public ministry. But this does not give a Catholic the right to second-guess his bishop and do as he pleases. c. 383.1), to try to “tone it down,” as Ed put it. Let’s take a look at each of these issues in turn. That priest would be acting in blatant disregard of the diocesan bishop’s authority and responsibility to oversee the spiritual welfare of his flock—a serious charge indeed! The action may be voluntarily requested or it … Q: I thought once a man was ordained a priest, he is always a priest. The actual reason for the bishop’s concern doesn’t really matter. Similarly, we saw in the October 18, 2007 column that if a priest who has been suspended, and thereby prohibited from celebrating Mass, were to do so anyway, it would be a valid Mass! But in theory, if a laicized priest were to say Mass, it would be a valid Mass, since he never loses the ability to celebrate the Eucharist. Frequently there is a good reason — imagine, for example, a priest who has to catch a plane at 7 AM and wants to say his Mass before leaving, so early that nobody else will be awake. canonlawmadeeasy@yahoo.com In a statement Aug. 6, the priest said that "in a state of emergency, even laicized or 'former' priests can, and perhaps even are morally obliged to, offer the sacraments for the faithful." can hear Confessions. So the next question is, can the bishop do that? In the same column, however, we also saw that priests can, under certain circumstances, be allowed to leave the clerical state and live in the world as laymen again. As was discussed in “Can a Priest Ever Return to the Lay State?” ordination brings with it an ontological change in the person, which cannot be undone—a priest forever remains a priest. Once a priest is laicized, he may no longer exercise any priestly ministry. Can a laicized priest say Mass? Advertise on Catholic Exchange Time has vindicated Archbishop Martini, as Archbishop Milingo was subsequently excommunicated by the Vatican for his bizarre and decidedly un-Catholic statements and actions-and he remains under excommunication to this day. The bishop knows full well that this would be impossible! Technically, therefore, it makes no difference if the mystic-priest wants to enter the diocese and say a widely publicized Mass with a huge congregation, or an unannounced Mass with a few people from a prayer-group. The actual reason for the bishop’s concern doesn’t really matter. If a laicized man celebrates a Mass, hears a confession, etc., the Mass and confession are valid; unlawful, illicit, but valid. forbade the African Archbishop Milingo from holding “healing Masses” in the Milan Archdiocese, Archbishop Milingo was subsequently excommunicated. A. All rights reserved. Similarly, we saw in “ Are They Really Catholic? In the past Cathy has published articles both in scholarly journals and on various popular Catholic websites, including Real Presence Communications and Catholic Exchange. Since this is what the priest is requesting anyway, there is usually little fear that he will violate this restriction. Part II ” that if a priest who has been suspended, and thereby prohibited from celebrating Mass, were to do so anyway, it would be a valid Mass! Rather, he is banning that particular priest from holding a liturgical celebration in his territory, and at which the Catholic faithful of the bishop’s diocese would be present. Here’s my question: can’t an ordained priest always say Mass if he wants to? He is still a priest, however. So the next question is, can the bishop do that? Moreover, even if this priest had left the priesthood without proper permission and was in a state of mortal sin, he could still validly absolve the dying person of sin. Laicized priests are still considered priests in the Catholic Church. (The difference between an © Copyright 2021 Catholic Exchange. Now it’s true that the priest whom Ed describes does not seem to fit either of these categories, as he has neither been laicized nor suspended. But this sort of situation is hardly the norm! This is a sacramental power which can never be taken away from him by anyone! The last question is the simpler to address. A priest can leave the active priesthood. According to Catholic teaching, ordination, like baptism, is indelible and cannot be reversed. A priest who is suspended is still on the loose; a laicized may still be a threat to young people. But this distinction actually has no basis in either theology or canon law, for the Eucharistic celebration is by its very nature a public act of worship by the Church. But the number of priests laicized is "in the dozens, rather than the hundreds or thousands" Allen said. In a statement Aug. 6, the priest said that “in a state of emergency, even laicized or ‘former’ priests can, and perhaps even are morally … Granted, it might happen someday that the mystic-priest whom Ed mentions is publicly acknowledged by the Church to be an authentic model of Christian spirituality. The Virus and the Bishops: Twisting a Vatican Document to Further an Agenda. It is not a system set up for score keeping. CajunJoy65. This is a sacramental power which can never be taken away from him by anyone! If he truly is a bona fide mystic, he may actually be an extremely holy man! A: Ed’s question highlights an important distinction that must be made, between the sacramental power of an ordained cleric to bring about a spiritual effect (in this case, to celebrate a valid Mass), and the authority of a diocesan bishop to regulate worship and the administration of the sacraments in his diocese. Liturgical actions, by definition, are not private affairs—even if only a few people are in fact present. Let’s take a look at each of these issues in turn. Which Mass Fulfills My Sunday Obligation? Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. If an excommunicated priests says Mass is it still valid. If the priest were to disobey and offer the Mass there anyway, it would of course be a valid Mass; but it would certainly be illicit. Laicization includes ordering Tetherow not to say Mass, but from ordination, every priest … Technically, therefore, it makes no difference if the mystic-priest wants to enter the diocese and say a widely publicized Mass with a huge congregation, or an unannounced Mass with a few people from a prayer-group. That priest will always have the ability to celebrate Mass; he just can’t celebrate it in this particular diocese. Among other things, they wanted a priest who’s not from our diocese, who has a reputation for being a mystic of some sort, to visit and say a special private Mass for their group in the parish where most of them belong. 7) He can’t serve a director (e.g., school principal) in a parochial school. The people must also realize that if they fail to follow the bishop’s order and attend such a forbidden Mass in their diocese, they are committing a direct act of disobedience. Since this is what the priest is requesting anyway, there is usually little fear that he will violate this restriction. He also raises a good question about public versus private Masses. Note also that when a bishop issues such a directive, it is ordinarily made not only to the priest himself, but is openly addressed to the faithful of the diocese as well. He is no longer allowed to say Mass, hear confessions and do other things reserved for priests only. The bishop should be held accountable if he knowingly placed an abuser in ministry, but he can’t be blamed if an abuser, having been barred from ministry, pursues youngsters on street corners. In other words, he can be laicized. The difference between Mass and confession, why the former would happen but the latter would not, is that for a confession to be valid, a … forbade the African Archbishop Milingo from holding “healing Masses” in the Milan Archdiocese, Archbishop Milingo was subsequently excommunicated, St. Thérèse of Lisieux Against the Plague | Suzie Andres, How Families Can Prepare for Spiritual Warfare | Kathleen Beckman, How Can Beauty & Culture Save the World? It used to be an *old priest’s tale* that a priest was required to *say* mass daily or it was a mortal sin. But in either case, since his superiors had forbade him to say Mass at all, it would be illicit, or illegal. But just as former presidents Obama and Bush are not able to sign legislation and issue pardons, laicized priests are not able to continue offering Mass or hearing confession. But the bishop found out and intervened, saying (or so I’m told) that the priest was forbidden to say that Mass. After McCarrick was laicized, the Church will no longer have responsibility to provide him with housing, medical care, or any other financial benefits.
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