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jsking1964
Member
| Joined: | Sat Dec 15th, 2007 |
| Location: | Texas USA |
| Posts: | 58 |
| First Name: | Benedict | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Basically I have been a Christian all my life, and ... |
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Posted: Fri Feb 1st, 2008 12:17 am |
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OK here it goes.... I know what a Preist is
a Bishop is
what about a decon, cardnal, and a Monsignor?
____________________
Your friend in Christ, +
JS Benedict
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemed. Mark 16:16
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5080 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Fri Feb 1st, 2008 03:56 am |
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jsking1964 wrote: OK here it goes.... I know what a Preist is
a Bishop is
what about a decon, cardnal, and a Monsignor?
There are three "levels" of Holy Orders: Deacon, Priest, and Bishop.
A deacon is a servant at the altar. His role is to assist the bishop. He can perform marriages and burials, and he is allowed to preach. At the altar he prepares the cup, and ministers it to those who are receiving communion. He may administer blessings upon objects and people as specifically authorized under Church law.
A priest can do whatever a deacon can do, plus confect all sacraments except Holy Orders, under the authority of the bishop. He has the sacramental authority to consecrate the Eucharist and to forgive sins, provided he has the permission of his bishop (called "faculties"). He may administer blessings of any type.
A bishop is the shepherd of his diocese. He is the primary teacher and pastor, and all priests, deacons, and assistant bishops serve on his behalf. His role is to interpret Church doctrine and law, and implement them in his diocese. Only a bishop can perform the sacrament of Holy Orders. It is his decision and responsibility to ordain priests and deacons within his diocese, and together with his brother bishops, to ordain other bishops with permission from the Holy See. The bishop is the successor of the apostles, and so he carries a shepherd's staff (called a crozier) as a sign if his authority.
"Monsignor" is an honorary title without real meaning. Certain ranking priests who have special responsibilities within a diocese are granted the title as one of honor. The title itself has no real meaning from a sacramental standpoint, although it does indicate that the priest who bears the title has additional responsibilities in his diocese. He may be responsible for finances, or lead meetings of priests in a certain geographical area, etc.
A cardinal is a special advisor to the pope. Some cardinals are archbishops of major dioceses; others have special roles within the Curia (Court) at the Vatican. Also, cardinals who are less than 80 years old serve as electors to choose a new pope. A cardinal need not be a bishop but usually is. Every cardinal, especially those who work in the Roman Curia, are given a "titular see" to administer. These are dioceses which no longer exist except in name. They are also granted citizenship in the Vatican City-State and carry diplomatic immunity when traveling to or from the Vatican. They are known as "Princes of the Church". The pope calls the cardinals together to consider serious issues facing the Church, in which case they serve as his advisors. The cardinals will often meet three or four times a year to consider such things as revisions to the liturgy, to give feedback on potential encyclicals, and so forth. They are the pope's closest friends and advisors, and report to him on significant happenings in their home countries.
When a vacancy in the office of the pope occurs, a member of the college of cardinals is usually chosen to succeed him, simply because they all know each other. However, they are literally free to choose any man on earth.
I hope this helps.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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