Structure of the Catholic Church
|
Why Does the Catholic Church work as a Hierarchy? This video asks the question of: Why does the Catholic Church work as a hierarchy? Bishop Matthew Clark gives his insight into this question by discussing the structure and rules that are to be adhered to in order for the Church to function the way it does today. |
The Pope / Cardinals
Pope Benedict XVI
The Pope is the leader of the Roman Catholic Church and is the bishop of Rome. There have been 16 of these leaders, the current being Benedict XVI. Thier Role within the church is to direct the faithful around the world to the bishops who oversee the dioceses. He also has the responsibility of guiding the cardinals who likewise watch over the archbishops and so-on. A Pope is nominated after an election in the College of Cardinals, a collection of Cardinals from all over the world who's responsibilty is to elect a replacement from when a previous Pope resignes or dies.
The Bishops and Archbishops
Archbishop Denis Hart
The Bishops and Archbishops are in the next level down from the Pope and Cardinals. The current Archbishop representing Australia is Denis Hart. Whilst they are named differently, they both serve the same purpose within Church.
The only difference separating the two being that the Archbishop has more control over the Bishop. Their main role is to teach doctrine, and are responsible for the nuns and priests.
Priests / The Laity
A Local Parish
The Priest is above the Laity in the Catholic hierarchy Each Priest is responsible for conducting mass within his local area or Parish. For example, Father Fr Vu Dinh Tuong is the current Priest for his local parish, Saint Johns Wood / The Gap. Lately numbers have been declining, mainly due to the fact that women are unable to undertake the role and that marriage is not allowed while being a Priest. Many of the first priests were Irish convicts.
The Laity are simply the group of people who do not have a role in the Church hierarchy, but take part in the Masses at their local parishes. Some are more dedicated than others to Catholicism, and are commonly known as the 'Devout Laity'
The Laity are simply the group of people who do not have a role in the Church hierarchy, but take part in the Masses at their local parishes. Some are more dedicated than others to Catholicism, and are commonly known as the 'Devout Laity'