So now we have the document for the reception of Anglican groups into the Catholic Church. I wonder when we will see it start to take shape? The question of celibacy of future ordinands is left slightly open in that while celibacy is the norm the local Anglican Use ordinary can petition the Holy See for the admission of a married man to Holy Orders. The text runs:
§ 2. The Ordinary, in full observance of the discipline of celibate clergy in the Latin Church, as a rule (pro regula) will admit only celibate men to the order of presbyter. He may also petition the Roman Pontiff, as a derogation from can. 277, §1, for the admission of married men to the order of presbyter on a case by case basis, according to objective criteria approved by the Holy See.
One other question that occurs to me, thinking ahead. If a convert comes to the Catholic Church from an Eastern Orthodox background, they become members of whichever equivalent Eastern Rite is in communion with the Holy See, even if they were received by a Latin rite priest. Will the same apply now for converts from an Anglican background? Will they become Anglican Use Catholics or will they still be able to choose to become members of the local Latin rite Catholic diocese?
Interesting times ahead.
§ 2. The Ordinary, in full observance of the discipline of celibate clergy in the Latin Church, as a rule (pro regula) will admit only celibate men to the order of presbyter. He may also petition the Roman Pontiff, as a derogation from can. 277, §1, for the admission of married men to the order of presbyter on a case by case basis, according to objective criteria approved by the Holy See.
One other question that occurs to me, thinking ahead. If a convert comes to the Catholic Church from an Eastern Orthodox background, they become members of whichever equivalent Eastern Rite is in communion with the Holy See, even if they were received by a Latin rite priest. Will the same apply now for converts from an Anglican background? Will they become Anglican Use Catholics or will they still be able to choose to become members of the local Latin rite Catholic diocese?
Interesting times ahead.
7 comments:
I suspect, Fr Michael, that that is precisely why the Holy See has stopped short of speaking of an 'Anglican Rite'; though many provisions are those of an individuated rite, there is left no doubt that this new entity is part of the Latin Rite.
Thanks Fr Sean. I was careful to stick with `Use` rather than `Rite`. However while it may be part of the Latin Rite not everyone in the Latin Rite can join it. Maybe there will be choice for future Anglican converts, maybe not. What of those children who presently apply for First Holy Communion having been baptised in the CHurch of England. Just wondering.
I don't see how any person could be prevented from converting from the C of E to be a normal member of ther Catholic Church participating in ordinary parishes in an eatablished diocese. People have always been able to do this.
In fact, I believe that this is how it will work out. Many groups will try to set up an ordinariate, but will fail for a number of reasons. They may have insufficient numbers, they may not be able find buildings, they may not be able to finance the venture,t5here may insufficient clergy for the people or vice versa etc.
In these circumstances, people (especially clergy) who have decided to jump, will jump anyway in the only manner that they can, and that will be to go through the normal process of being received into a parish.
Et Expecto, people have always been able to do that but this changes things somewhat. No doubt there will be clarification. It`s just the canonist in me working overtime.
I am more optimistic than you about the future of the Anglican ordinariate. I wonder when they can get started? I read TAC will give their answer at Easter which seems a long way away. I thought the British branch of TAC had already said yes.
the admission of married men to the order of presbyter on a case by case basis, according to objective criteria approved by the Holy See.
This is giving de facto permission for the ordination of a married clergy alongside the celibate Latin Rite clergy. Annulments are heard on a case by case basis and when was the last time anyone heard of an annulment not being granted?
As I have been posting when I first read of the Ordinariate and was pooh poohed or ignored - this will, in time, bring about the end of the discipline of celibacy for the Latin Rite.
"when was the last time anyone heard of an annulment not being granted?"
In my very immediate family, for example.
Norah I can assure you that annulments are refused.
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