Msg Base:  AREA 5  - ASK FATHER            CIN ECHO   AMDG
  Msg No: 112.  Sat  7-27-91 17:32
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Michael Ciaccio
 Subject: Priests and seminaries

Dear Michael,
 
Parish priests are attached to a diocese and are under the obedience
of the bishop of the diocese.
 
Other priests, including Jesuits, belong to religious orders or
congregations. They follow different traditions, called religious
"rules" and generally owe obedience to major superiors, whose
jurisdiction is wider than the individual diocese. Often this is a
worldwide jurisdiction, subject directly to the Pope. Major
monasteries are independent and are ruled by abbots. The New Catholic
Encyclopedia can give you more detailed information about various
orders. Some order priests are in charge of parishes. This fact
places them under the obedience of the local bishop in matters
pertaining to the parish, whereas they are under their own religious
order superiors in other matters.
 
There are four seminaries in the Houston area.  The diocesan
seminary, St. Mary's, is at 9845 Memorial Drive, Houston 77024, tel.
713-686-4345.  The Holy Ghost Fathers' seminary is at 4410 Yoakum
Blvd., Houston 77006, tel. 713-529-0405.  The Josephite Fathers'
novitiate is at 6220 La Salette Drive, Houston 77021, tel.
713-747-1722.  The Basilian Fathers' novitiate is at 106-5th Street,
Sugar Land 77478, tel. 713-491-8700 and 491-3602.
 
I hope in due time your son will learn to serve Mass. Service at the
altar is a powerful source of vocation graces. Also, do all you can
by teaching and example to help him grow in love and devotion to Our
Blessed Mother. She is the Mother of Priests and Queen of the Clergy.
The family rosary every night is a powerful help, but parents should
take care to explain the rosary prayers and mysteries to their
children.
 
                                  God bless you and
                                  your family,
                                  Father Mateo