1. The Ordinary
The Ordinary is the ecclesiastical superior of the Ordinariate.
A. The Ordinary is a bishop who is the source of the society’s apostolic authority and mandate, and is called to be for its members, postulants, and companions:
• Episcopos - Overseer
• Anam Cara - Soul Friend
• Servus Servorum - Servant of Servants
B. In the event of civil incorporation, the Ordinary is the President of the corporation.
C. The Ordinary may serve for life, until resignation, or until removal from office.
2. The Vicar General
The Vicar General is a presbyter (or, in rare instances, a co-adjutor bishop) appointed to assist the Ordinary in the governance of the Ordinariate.
A. The appointment is to a six-year term, unless the incumbent possesses co-adjutor status to the Ordinary, in which case the appointment is perpetual.
B. The incumbent may serve successive terms.
C. In the event of the incapacity of the Ordinary, the Vicar General assumes day-to-day management of the Ordinariate until such time as the Ordinary recovers.
D. In the event of the permanent incapacitation, unplanned resignation, or death of the Ordinary, the Vicar General assumes day to day management of the Society and serves as the Apostolic Administrator until such time as a new Ordinary is elected and confirmed, unless the Vicar General possesses co-adjutor status.
1. When the Vicar General possesses co-adjutor status, the Vicar General becomes Ordinary immediately upon the receipt of medical certification of incapacity, notice of resignation, or notice of death of the Ordinary.
E. In the event of civil incorporation, the Vicar General is the vice president of the corporation.
3. Vicars Forane
When deemed necessary, Vicars Forane may be appointed. These are presbyters appointed to assist the Ordinary and the Vicar General in the governance of a specific section of the Ordinariate, based on either geography or affinity.
A. The appointment is to a three-year term.
B. The incumbent may serve successive terms.
4. Other Roles
The Ordinary may propose additional roles, provided there is a genuine need for the role and a clear description of the duties and responsibilities of the role. In order to avoid the creation of an unwieldly hierarchy, any such roles must be approved by the General Chapter of the Ordinariate.
5. The General Chapter
The General Chapter is comprised of all vowed members of the Ordinariate, pursuant to the guidelines and responsibilities specified in Canon 4.
A. The General Chapter is charged specifically with the fostering of the charism of the Ordinariate throughout its ministries, be they individual or corporate.
B. The General Chapter shall also serve to confirm new roles believed necessary for the good of the Society, but which are not strictly needed to conform to apostolic tradition or secular need.
C. The confirmation of the General Chapter is required to ratify the election of a new Ordinary, and to remove the current Ordinary from office for cause.
D. The confirmation of the General Chapter is required to ratify the election of a co-adjutor.
E. The General Chapter shall meet at least annually and may meet more frequently as needs demand or for informal reasons such as fellowship, education, or edification.
F. The General Chapter shall meet in person at least every third year, though this should be considered as a canonical minimum and a 'worst case scenario'.
G. The General Chapter may establish committees to foster deeper commitments to various aspects of the Society’s charism, or to assist in the conduct of business, finance, and other important matters.
6. The Clericus
All clerical or postulant members shall attend the Clericus.
A. The Clericus is a time of retreat, study, prayer, recreation, and fellowship.
B. The Clericus shall be held at least once every eighteen months, with an annual frequency being preferred when logistically and financially feasible.
C. The Clericus shall be held jointly with the General Chapter every third year.
D. Holy Oils will be consecrated by the Ordinary at the Clericus every twelve to eighteen months.
E. Generally, ordinations will be celebrated at the Clericus, unless pastoral advantage or pressing need suggests otherwise.