Understanding Church Hierarchy is Easier Than You May Think (Father Simon Says)

Ever looked at a calendar and thought, Wait, wasn’t this a Holy Day last year? Or maybe you’ve heard that your friend in another country doesn’t have to go to Mass on a certain feast day while you do. What gives?!   Well, Fr. Richard Simon is here to clear up the confusion. Honestly, it’s pretty fascinating.   Holy Days: A Local Spin on a Universal Faith 🌍   So why don’t all Holy Days look the same everywhere? Turns out, while the Catholic Church is universal, it’s also adaptable. Bishops actually get a say in which feast days are obligatory in their region.   Think of it like a family recipe: your grandma’s cookies are technically the same as your aunt’s, but each one tweaks the ingredients a little to fit their style. Same faith, different flavors.   Wait… The Church is Actually Pretty Simple? 🏛️   With all the titles like bishop, cardinal, vicar, and pope, it seems complicated. But Fr. Simon breaks it down like this:   Bishop = The head of a diocese   Priest = The bishop’s right-hand man in a parish   Deacon = The man who’s there to serve and support   And what about the Pope? He’s basically the shepherd of all the shepherds: guiding, strengthening, and keeping the Church on track, not micromanaging every little decision. (Can you imagine if he had to personally approve every parish festival? 😂)   Universal vs. Local Feasts 🎉   Some feast days, like Christmas, are locked in everywhere. Others... not so much. Each country has its own traditions and customs, and the Church embraces that cultural diversity. That’s why some places celebrate certain feast days as obligations while others don’t.   And papal infallibility? It’s not about the Pope controlling everything. It’s actually pretty limited: just to faith and morals, ensuring bishops still have their own authority.   So, What’s the Takeaway? 🤷‍♂️   Fr. Simon sums it up best: the Church is one big global family, but like any family, different parts have their own ways of doing things. So next time you wonder why a Holy Day is different somewhere else, just remember: it’s not random, it’s just the Church being beautifully diverse! 💒✨   Now go mark your calendar and maybe double-check with your bishop. 😆     The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.