TITLES IN THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
Q – Why are there so many different ways to address priests? Can’t we just call them all Father?
A - Once they are ordained all priests can be addressed as ‘Father,’ but after a few years serving as priests some men are chosen for other roles within the Church such as Bishops, Archbishops and Cardinals. A select few are also chosen to be Pope (the ultimate Father or Papa within the Church). Even though they may take on other roles and titles and their spiritual families may grow increasingly larger, their ministry is still one of fatherhood nourishing, instructing and caring for their ‘spiritual children’.
Q – Who are the Cardinals?
A - A Cardinal is a senior clergyman, usually an Archbishop, who is chosen personally by the Pope. All the Cardinals together, representing many countries around the world and different Vatican departments, are collectively known as ‘the College of Cardinals.’ Their duties include being advisors to the Holy Father, electing new Popes and overseeing various committees and departments at the Vatican.
Q - What is the difference between a Bishop and an Archbishop?
A – The answer is very little! They are both Bishops, the word comes from the Greek word for overseer (episkopos). The Church is world-wide and in order to manage it effectively, each country has been sub-divided into smaller areas called dioceses and each of these is overseen by a Bishop. The Bishops are seen as successors of the Apostles with a duty to teach, sanctify and govern local Catholics. The Bishops Conference (that is all the Bishops in the country) meet regularly and work together to oversee and govern the Catholic Church at a national level. The main difference between a Bishop and an Archbishop is that Archbishops are appointed to oversee the larger or historically more important dioceses. A Bishop oversees a smaller or less significant area. In England the larger dioceses of Westminster, Southwark, Birmingham and Liverpool (which are also known as Archdioceses) are all headed up by an Archbishop (usually supported by a number of Auxiliary Bishops to help him). The overseers of the other dioceses are given the title Bishop.
Q - My Parish Priest has the title Monsignor – why is this?
A - The title Monsignor (which is Italian for ‘My Lord’) is an honorary title of respect that was bestowed on priests by the Pope as a reward for outstanding service to the church. In 2014 Pope Francis announced that the use of this title would be curtailed and in future would only be granted to diocesan priests if they were over 65 years old.
Q - Our Parish has a Deacon. How is he different to a Priest?
A - The word ‘deacon’ means servant and Permanent Deacons are ordained ministers of the Church dedicated to service of the poor and marginalised in society. In the Liturgy they can proclaim the Gospel, preach and help at Mass (but not celebrate the Mass). They can also administer the Sacrament of Baptism, and can officiate at weddings and funerals, that do not include a Mass. Many Deacons also serve as prison or hospital chaplains or take the Eucharist to the sick and housebound. Most Permanent Deacons are married and many have full time jobs or are retired, so their ministry is usually part-time and voluntary. Deacons were first appointed in the early Church as described in Acts 6: 2- 6. This describes how the Apostles chose seven men of good standing who were full of the Spirit and wisdom and they laid hands on them to ordain them. Theses Deacons then looked after the practical needs of the community while the Apostles devoted themselves to prayer and to serving the Word.
Q - I read that the Papal Nuncio was visiting a local parish. Who is this?
A – Nuncio means ‘messenger’ and the Papal Nuncio (or Apostolic Nuncio) is the title of the man appointed by the Pope to be his ambassador in larger countries. He is usually a senior cleric and an experienced Vatican diplomat. As well as representing the Pope in diplomatic matters concerning the government and issues of state, he is also usually the point of contact between the Bishops of that country and the Holy Father.
