Editing Loss of clerical state (section)

== Consequences ==
Laicization involves cessation of all the rights of the clerical state. It also terminates all obligations of the clerical state, except for the obligation of celibacy. [[Dispensation (canon law)|Dispensation]] from the obligation of celibacy can only be granted by the pope, except in [[Declaration of nullity|ordinations that have been declared invalid]], in which case no dispensation is necessary. Because the [[sacramental character]] of ordination makes it indelible, the cleric maintains the power of orders. He is, however, forbidden to exercise it, except to give [[Last rites#Roman Catholic Church|sacramental absolution to someone in danger of death]]. He also automatically loses his offices, roles and delegated powers.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|title=Code of Canon Law: text - IntraText CT|url=http://www.intratext.com/IXT/ENG0017/_PY.HTM|access-date=February 18, 2019|website=www.intratext.com}}</ref>

Normally, the same rescript grants both laicization and dispensation from the obligation of celibacy. The person to whom it is granted is not permitted to separate the two, accepting the dispensation while rejecting the laicization, or accepting the laicization while rejecting the dispensation. While married deacons whose wives die are sometimes permitted to marry again, and married ministers of a non-Catholic confession who become Catholics are sometimes permitted to be ordained and minister in the Catholic Church, grants of dispensation from the obligation of celibacy without simultaneous laicization are very rare.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=JKgZEjvB5cEC&dq=Beal+%22dispensation+from+celibacy%22&pg=PA390 John P. Beal, ''New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law'' (Paulist Press 2000] {{ISBN|978-0-80914066-4}}), pp. 389–390</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.adventgroup.org.uk/faq-mainmenu-40/72-dispensation/120-dispensation|title=Translation of a sample rescript of dispensation from priestly celibacy|access-date=February 18, 2019}}</ref>

A laicized cleric loses rights to such things as clerical garb and titles (such as "[[Father (honorific)|Father]]"). He is freed from obligations such as recitation of the [[Liturgy of the Hours]], but like any member of the laity is encouraged, though not obliged, to continue to recite it. The rescript of laicization for a deacon normally contains no special limitations, but that for a priest does prohibit him from delivering a [[homily]] (the sermon preached at Mass after proclamation of the Gospel reading, not preaching in general), acting as [[extraordinary minister of Holy Communion]], having a directive office in the [[pastoral care|pastoral]] field, or having any function in a [[seminary]] or similar institution. It imposes restrictions also regarding the holding of teaching or administration posts in schools and universities. Some of these limitations may be relaxed according to the judgment of the local bishop<ref>Beal (2000), pp. 390–392</ref> including the teaching of theology in schools or universities (both Catholic and non-Catholic), maintaining contact with the parish where the priest used to serve, and administering the Eucharist.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://catholicherald.co.uk/news/2011/09/29/let-dispensed-priests-play-active-parish-role-vatican-urges-bishops/|title=Let dispensed priests play active parish role, Vatican urges bishops|date=September 29, 2011|website=Catholic Herald|access-date=February 18, 2019}}</ref>

A cleric dismissed from the clerical state cannot be reinstated in the sacred ministry without the consent of the pope.<ref name="auto"/>

New regulations issued in 2009 regarding priests who abandon their ministry for more than five years and whose behavior is a cause of serious scandal have made it easier for bishops to secure this removal of clerical status from such priests even against the priests' wishes.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0902539.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=2009-10-04 |archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20091004204746/http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0902539.htm |archive-date=2009-10-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the two years 2011 and 2012, nearly 400 Catholic priests were removed from the clerical state, with a peak of 260 in 2011, and nearly half of these being imposed as a penalty.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/17/pope-benedict-defrocked-400-priests-child-abuse|title=Pope Benedict XVI defrocked nearly 400 priests for child abuse|newspaper=The Guardian |agency=Associated Press|date=January 17, 2014|access-date=February 18, 2019|via=www.theguardian.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/anatomy-now-you-see-it-now-you-dont-vatican-denial|title=Anatomy of a now-you-see-it, now-you-don't Vatican denial|date=January 18, 2014|website=National Catholic Reporter|access-date=February 18, 2019}}</ref>