| Question Title | Posted By | Question Date |
|---|---|---|
| Simplex Priests | Edmund | Friday, December 31, 2004 |
Question: Reading a biography of Ven. Solanus Casey, I first encountered the term and concept of "simplex priests" -- someone ordained with restricted faculties, authorized to say Mass but not administer Penance or perform certain other functions. In the case of Solanus Casey, authorities (wrongfully) thought him incapable of understanding theology to the degree needed to be a confessor or preacher. Is the concept of "simplex ordination" still around today? Has anyone discussed whether simplex ordinations of selected deacons could be a partial solution to priestless parishes and the "Eucharistic drought" seriously affecting some areas? |
||
| Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek
Dear Edmund, Yes, occasionally I hear this idea tossed around, but I'm not aware that it has been officially considered anywhere. Obviously though if this were to happen it would only temporarily heal symptoms of the far greater problem of many parents and religious educators failing to pass on the faith and encourage young men to consider their vocation. I can't say that I like the idea of simplex priests. Mr. Slavek Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers. (b) There is no such Mass called the Novus Ordo. The Current Mass is the Roman Missal of 2000, or the Oridinary Form of the Mass. The Tridentine Mass is the Roman Missal of 1962, or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Please refrain from using the term, Novus Ordo. Thanks. (c) The titles of Acolyte and Lector belong exclusively to the Installed Offices of Acolyte and Lector, who are men (only) appointed by the Bishop. These roles performed by others are Altar Servers and Readers, respectively. |
||