Hierarchical Structure of the SSPX

[o_o_82]

Hi,

I am new to learning about **SSPX**. *(I just met someone who is SSPX, and I wanted to talk to them.)* I am a cradle Catholic so I don’t know much about it. I looked up information about the SSPX from Wikipedia and [www.sspx.org](www.sspx.org), so I am a bit familiar with the issues involved. 


What I cannot figure out is ***“How is SSPX structured?”*** I understand that the SSPX thinks that the post-Councilar Church is in heresy, but from what I heard from my friend they seem to have independent Churches i.e. Churches which are not only independent of the local Catholic Bishop, but which are independent of other SSPX Bishops. *(I might be understanding my friend wrongly here – but this is my interpretation.)*


Could someone who is familiar with SSPX throw some light on their organizational structure? Are each of the SSPX churches under a SSPX Bishop or are they independent? If the Churches are independent what is the role of those four to five SSPX Bishops that the SSPX followers recognize. 


Recently in connection with trying to formalize relationship with Rome the SSPX convened their **“General Chapter”**. What does this mean i.e. who is represented, and is the decisions of the General Chapter binding. (I know some goffy guy can always disagree. Here I am asking is if it is universally understood to be binding.)


I am not here to bash the SSPX, but just to understand the above topics from an SSPX point of view.

Thank you all,
O. O.

 

[april32010]

do a forum search sspx ought to keep you busy for a couple of days. :compcoff: :manvspc: :slapfight: :blackeye::stretcher: :crutches:

 

[o_o_82]

do a forum search sspx ought to keep you busy for a couple of days. :compcoff: :manvspc: :slapfight: :blackeye::stretcher: :crutches:

Dear april32010,

I made a search of this forum but I cannot find out about the structure of the SSPX. There is a lot of information regarding the issues involving SSPX, but no information regarding its hierarchical structure.

O. O.

 

[TheDoctor]

Dear april32010

,

I made a search of this forum but I cannot find out about the structure of the SSPX. There is a lot of information regarding the issues involving SSPX, but no information regarding its hierarchical structure.

O. O.Perhaps this is because the structure of the SSPX is of concern only to the SSPX and not the laity.

I can see where you may want some info to determine if a church you are thinking of attending is part of the SSPX or is a splinter SSPX group, however since the SSPX is not in communion with Rome (pray for reconciliation) at this time this is problematic.

 

[Crimsonflyboy]

Hi,

I am new to learning about **SSPX**. *(I just met someone who is SSPX, and I wanted to talk to them.)* I am a cradle Catholic so I don’t know much about it. I looked up information about the SSPX from Wikipedia and [www.sspx.org](www.sspx.org), so I am a bit familiar with the issues involved. 


What I cannot figure out is ***“How is SSPX structured?”*** I understand that the SSPX thinks that the post-Councilar Church is in heresy, but from what I heard from my friend they seem to have independent Churches i.e. Churches which are not only independent of the local Catholic Bishop, but which are independent of other SSPX Bishops. *(I might be understanding my friend wrongly here – but this is my interpretation.)*


Could someone who is familiar with SSPX throw some light on their organizational structure? Are each of the SSPX churches under a SSPX Bishop or are they independent? If the Churches are independent what is the role of those four to five SSPX Bishops that the SSPX followers recognize. 


Recently in connection with trying to formalize relationship with Rome the SSPX convened their **“General Chapter”**. What does this mean i.e. who is represented, and is the decisions of the General Chapter binding. (I know some goffy guy can always disagree. Here I am asking is if it is universally understood to be binding.)


I am not here to bash the SSPX, but just to understand the above topics from an SSPX point of view.

Thank you all,
O. O.

Hi, I am a seminarian with the SSPX, so maybe I can help. The SSPX does not claim that the post-concilliar church is a heresy, that wouldn’t be possible. There are many heresies out there right now, but none come from our Holy Father. The SSPX has four bishops, which do not claim jurisdiction. They travel the world ordaining the priests in SSPX seminaries around the world.

The hierarchy within the SSPX has Bishop Felay as it’s General Superior and he oversees everything which goes on within the SSPX. Below him are District Superiors who oversee everything within a certain district. The United States, for instance, is a district within the SSPX, and has Fr. Rostand as it’s district superior. Within the district there are priories, which are churches which have a rectory. Each priory has three or four priests and one has the title of prior who is the head of that particular priory. Each priory oversees two to four mission churches. These mission churches have no full time priest and a priest from the priory will travel to the mission church on the weekends, but stays at the priory during the week. All churches within the SSPX are under the hierarchy of the SSPX. Sometimes, however the SSPX will pick up an independent church if the church decides to join. But, once this happens the independent church is no longer independent, but is rather a SSPX church.

The General Chapter of the SSPX is an internal meeting and only has power within the SSPX, it is not binding outside of the SSPX. Usually these take place years apart and the General Superior is elected, as well as decisions taken to determine the course of the SSPX until the next General Chapter. This recent General Chapter was unscheduled and had to do with the current talks with Rome. I am praying that everything works out and that we are regularized, but only time will tell. I hope this helps.

 

[Stylites]

Hi, I am a seminarian with the SSPX, so maybe I can help. The SSPX does not claim that the post-concilliar church is a heresy, that wouldn’t be possible. There are many heresies out there right now, but none come from our Holy Father. The SSPX has four bishops, which do not claim jurisdiction. They travel the world ordaining the priests in SSPX seminaries around the world.

The hierarchy within the SSPX has Bishop Felay as it’s General Superior and he oversees everything which goes on within the SSPX. Below him are District Superiors who oversee everything within a certain district. The United States, for instance, is a district within the SSPX, and has Fr. Rostand as it’s district superior. Within the district there are priories, which are churches which have a rectory. Each priory has three or four priests and one has the title of prior who is the head of that particular priory. Each priory oversees two to four mission churches. These mission churches have no full time priest and a priest from the priory will travel to the mission church on the weekends, but stays at the priory during the week. All churches within the SSPX are under the hierarchy of the SSPX. Sometimes, however the SSPX will pick up an independent church if the church decides to join. But, once this happens the independent church is no longer independent, but is rather a SSPX church.

The General Chapter of the SSPX is an internal meeting and only has power within the SSPX, it is not binding outside of the SSPX. Usually these take place years apart and the General Superior is elected, as well as decisions taken to determine the course of the SSPX until the next General Chapter. This recent General Chapter was unscheduled and had to do with the current talks with Rome. I am praying that everything works out and that we are regularized, but only time will tell. I hope this helps.

So currently, the hierachy of the SSPX is:

1. Bishop Felay, General Superior
2. General Chapter
3. District Superiors
4. Priories
5. The SSPX laity
6. The Supreme Pontiff Of The Universal Church, Successor Of St. Peter, Prince Of The Apostles

 

[Mrs_Sally]

Hi, I am a seminarian with the SSPX.

I am praying for you. With the opportunity now to join institutions like the FSSP, that are in complete communion with Rome and also follow tradition practices including the EF Mass, I am sad to see you committing to an organization that is outside the Church (ie, non-canonical).

I had many Episcopalian friends several years ago waiting on the Anglican Ordinariate (that has happened, praise God!). I still encouraged them to convert and come into full communion at that time and not wait for some future event.

We need to take the actions that we can to bring ourselves into God’s grace. Unless we tend to our own soul’s salvation, we cannot help anyone else. Especially as a priest!

 

[Andre1000]

I am praying for you. With the opportunity now to join institutions like the FSSP, that are in complete communion with Rome and also follow tradition practices including the EF Mass, I am sad to see you committing to an organization that is outside the Church (ie, non-canonical).

I had many Episcopalian friends several years ago waiting on the Anglican Ordinariate (that has happened, praise God!). I still encouraged them to convert and come into full communion at that time and not wait for some future event.

We need to take the actions that we can to bring ourselves into God’s grace. Unless we tend to our own soul’s salvation, we cannot help anyone else. Especially as a priest!

Non-canonical does not mean outside the Church, this is too superficial.

 

[Melchior_1]

Non-canonical does not mean outside the Church, this is too superficial.

Knowingly getting ordained illicitly is sort of a big deal. As is knowingly going to a SSPX confessor expecting to receive a valid confession.

 

[Crimsonflyboy]

So currently, the hierachy of the SSPX is:

1. Bishop Felay, General Superior
2. General Chapter
3. District Superiors
4. Priories
5. The SSPX laity
6. The Supreme Pontiff Of The Universal Church, Successor Of St. Peter, Prince Of The Apostles

No of course not, I was giving the hierarchy within the SSPX. The entire SSPX is under the Pope.

 

[Crimsonflyboy]

I am praying for you. With the opportunity now to join institutions like the FSSP, that are in complete communion with Rome and also follow tradition practices including the EF Mass, I am sad to see you committing to an organization that is outside the Church (ie, non-canonical).

I had many Episcopalian friends several years ago waiting on the Anglican Ordinariate (that has happened, praise God!). I still encouraged them to convert and come into full communion at that time and not wait for some future event.

We need to take the actions that we can to bring ourselves into God’s grace. Unless we tend to our own soul’s salvation, we cannot help anyone else. Especially as a priest!

Thank you for your prayers. As long as the talks are on-going the SSPX is not outside the church. If the SSPX is thrown out I will have to leave and pick a new course, but I will cross that bridge if and when we get there.

 

[Stylites]

No of course not, I was giving the hierarchy within the SSPX. The entire SSPX is under the Pope.

I’m hoping that will be the case in the future. A confession by a well person said in an SSPX chapel is graceless today, which wouldn’t be the case if the entire SSPX was truly under the Pope.

 

[Stylites]

Thank you for your prayers. As long as the talks are on-going the SSPX is not outside the church. If the SSPX is thrown out I will have to leave and pick a new course, but I will cross that bridge if and when we get there.

Of course, no one throws anyone out of the Church.

 

[Bebekoualy]

I’m hoping that will be the case in the future. A confession by a well person said in an SSPX chapel is graceless today, which wouldn’t be the case if the entire SSPX was truly under the Pope.

How can you say that when so many modernist priests who are canonical but who aren’t completely under the Pope when they deliberately do what they want and not what the Church wants? In a way, their confessions can not be valid too, for instance if they don’t give you absolution.
Of course the SSPX is under the Pope, they just have some issues about Vatican II, not about the Vicar of Christ3

 

[Mrs_Sally]

How can you say that when so many modernist priests who are canonical but who aren’t completely under the Pope when they deliberately do what they want and not what the Church wants? In a way, their confessions can not be valid too, for instance if they don’t give you absolution.
Of course the SSPX is under the Pope, they just have some issues about Vatican II, not about the Vicar of Christ3

You are in union with the Pope if he says you are. Many of the things brought up as abusive or heretical acts by Catholic priests are nothing like. However, deliberately allowing yourself to be ordained by a bishop without faculties, or hearing confession without faculties, are not things that can be overlooked.

 

[Boulder257]

I’m hoping that will be the case in the future. A confession by a well person said in an SSPX chapel is graceless today, which wouldn’t be the case if the entire SSPX was truly under the Pope.

I’m confused…if they are under the Pope, than why have they disobeyed the popes of their time, even to the point of excommunication? Even the most recent correspondence from the pope said, in effect, get back in line or you’ll be in schism and it’s totally on you. Sounds like either they are not “really” under the pope, or they prefer to pay lip service in a feigned attitude of reconcilliation.

 

[curlycool89]

I am praying for you. With the opportunity now to join institutions like the FSSP, that are in complete communion with Rome and also follow tradition practices including the EF Mass, I am sad to see you committing to an organization that is outside the Church (ie, non-canonical).

I’ll join that prayer.

I can’t think of the number of logic-cartwheels that need to be done to justify wanting to say illicit Masses and invalid confessions.

 

[Crimsonflyboy]

I’ll join that prayer.

I can’t think of the number of logic-cartwheels that need to be done to justify wanting to say illicit Masses and invalid confessions.

Those in the SSPX simply want to keep the traditions of the Church. Which begs the question, why would it be so horrible for them to do so?

 

[wasserfall]

Those in the SSPX simply want to keep the traditions of the Church. Which begs the question, why would it be so horrible for them to do so?

It certainly would not be horrible to keep the traditions of the Church.
Now please explain in what way the FSSP, ICRSS, IBP, etc. fail to keep the traditions of the Church.

 

[Moore11]

It always shocks me the hate to the SSPX on this site. I am not SSPX but one must remember that this young seminarian with one comunique would be just as “Catholic” as any other. This young man who loves God and loves tradition will most likely be an important part of the Church in the near future. Remember he just cleared up a structure question and then everyone hit him with innuendo about the Pope not being important and the old “I’ll pray for you” lines along with “I have no idea the mental gymnastics”… blah blah blah. It is so sad. His hands will consecrate the Eucharist and your hands are typing uncharitable things. Shame on us. Perhaps we could be better if that big old plank was out of our own eye…

Cue, defensive responses in 3…2…1