A priest becomes a canon through appointment by the bishop or an ecclesiastical authority. The criteria for becoming a canon may vary depending on the specific canonry or diocese, but typically involve years of dedicated service, theological knowledge, and personal qualities that demonstrate suitability for the role.
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Answer: The process through which a priest becomes a canon involves the appointment by a bishop or an ecclesiastical authority. The criteria for becoming a canon can vary depending on the specific canonry or diocese, but generally include years of dedicated service, theological knowledge, and personal qualities that demonstrate suitability for the role.
Interesting Facts:
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The term “canon” originally referred to a member of the clergy living in a cathedral or collegiate institution and participating in the governance of the church.
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Canons are often associated with cathedrals, where they constitute the chapter or governing body of the cathedral.
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In some cases, canons live together in a community called a chapter house, following a form of monastic life.
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Canons may be responsible for the liturgical life of the cathedral, assisting in the celebration of Mass and other church services.
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Canons may also have administrative duties within the diocese, such as managing the cathedral’s finances or overseeing charitable works.
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The number of canons in a cathedral can vary, with larger cathedrals typically having more canons.
Quote: “A canon is somebody who commits his or her life to seeking excellence in a particular way, with a particular kind of discipline, with a particular kind of companionship.” – Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury.
Table: Criteria for Becoming a Canon
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Dedicated Service | Years of faithful service in the priesthood, often with record of pastoral experience. |
| Theological Knowledge | A strong understanding of church doctrine, scripture, and theological principles. |
| Personal Qualities | Demonstration of qualities such as leadership, piety, humility, and integrity. |
| Appointment Process | Appointment by a bishop or ecclesiastical authority based on evaluation and discernment. |
By following the process of appointment, meeting specific criteria, and demonstrating the necessary qualities, a priest can become a canon and take on the responsibilities associated with this esteemed role within the church.
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The Catholic Church does not admit women to the priesthood because it follows the tradition of Jesus choosing only men as apostles, and believes it does not have the authority to change this. However, the Church does not view women as inferior and states that this teaching only applies to the priesthood. There is ongoing investigation into the possibility of ordaining women as deacons, without it being seen as a step towards priesthood. Women can hold important positions in the Church, but the video emphasizes the need to encourage women to take on leadership roles that do not require ordination and ensure their voices are valued.
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Honorary canons It is usually awarded in recognition of long and dedicated service to the diocese. Honorary canons are members of the chapter in name but are non-residential and receive no emoluments. They are entitled to call themselves canon and may have a role in the administration of the cathedral.
Canons may be members of the diocesan/bishop’s staff rather than cathedral staff, such as in the Episcopal Church (United States), where a diocese’s "Canon to the Ordinary" is a senior priest who works directly for the diocesan bishop (ordinary).
However, he or she can still hold the title ‘canon’ as an honorary one until he or she dies, although he or she may not be involved in decision making at the cathedral. Q: What is the difference between a Reverend and a Canon? Write your answer… Still have questions? What is the difference between the titles Reverend and Reverend Canon?
The Canon law of the Catholic Church holds that the priesthood is a sacred and perpetual vocational state, not just a profession (which is a reason for, and symbolized by, the state of celibacy). There are programs of formation and studies which aim to enable the future priest to effectively serve his ministry.
Catholic priests are ordained by bishops through the sacrament of holy orders. Catholic bishops are ordained in an unbroken line of apostolic succession back to the Twelve Apostles depicted in the Catholic Bible.