Pope Benedict creates Ordinariate in U.S.

In response to numerous requests, Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday, 1 January, established an ordinariate for Anglican groups and clergy in the United States who wish to become Catholic. It is only the second structure of its kind in the world. The Pope also has named a Houston professor and former Episcopal bishop, Reverend Jeffrey N. Steenson, to lead the ordinariate.

The establishment of the ordinariate follows the publication in 2009 of the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum Coetibus, in which the Holy Father made certain provisions to welcome Anglicans into full union with the Catholic Church, while allowing them to retain many of their distinctive traditions.

The Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter will be based in Houston, Texas. The only other ordinariate is Our Lady of Walsingham, established in January 2011 to serve England and Wales.

Similar to a diocese, though national in scope, the ordinariate will include parishes, groups and individuals of the Anglican heritage across the United States. Parishes will be fully Catholic, while retaining elements of their Anglican heritage, particularly in the liturgy.

Over 100 former Anglican priests already have applied to become Catholic priests for the ordinariate, and nearly 1,400 individuals from 22 communities are seeking to enter.

Father Steenson, who will be the Ordinary, became Catholic in 2007 and a Catholic priest in 2009.