Synodal Governance

The Dionysian Catholic Church is synodally governed and episcopally administered.

The Synod of Bishops is the Church’s highest deliberative authority, responsible for matters of doctrine, liturgy, constitutional law, and episcopal accountability.

The Primate and Presiding Bishop presides over the Synod and serves as the visible focus of unity among the bishops. The primatial office is presidential, not monarchical.

Bishops exercise pastoral and administrative responsibility within their regional dioceses. Bishops are accountable to the Synod and serve without stipend.

Clergy

Clergy are canonically resident in a diocesan region and serve under the authority of their diocesan bishop (Ordinary).

Clergy are non-stipendiary and support themselves through regular employment. 

Formation for Ordained Ministry

If you’re discerning ordained ministry in the DCC—or if you’re clergy ordained elsewhere and exploring reception and incardination—formation is serious and careful.

Formation for ordained ministry includes everything in the general Formation program, plus:

• Sacramental theology and practice
• Liturgical competence
• Pastoral theology and care
• Canon law and church order
• Supervised ministry experience

We move slowly on purpose. Ordination isn’t automatic at the end of a timeline. It may be delayed or declined without prejudice.