What is the Personal Ordinariate
of the Chair of St. Peter?
The Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter is equivalent to a diocese for Roman Catholics who were nurtured in the Anglican tradition or whose faith has been renewed by the Ordinariate’s liturgy and evangelizing mission.
The Ordinariate was created by the Vatican on Jan. 1, 2012 and has its Chancery in Houston, Texas.
WHY THE ORDINARIATE WAS CREATED
The establishment of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter was the Vatican’s pastoral response to repeated and persistent inquiries made by Anglican individuals and groups in the United States and Canada who, over time, have come to identify the Catholic Church as their home.
Those joining the Ordinariate have discerned they are truly Catholic in what they believe and desire full membership in the Catholic Church.
MISSION
The Ordinariate exists for those who are and who will be coming into full communion with the Catholic Church. Through the reverence and beauty of our worship, the study of Sacred Scripture and charity for those in need, we desire to share the joy of being Roman Catholic!
We wish to build bridges with all our brothers and sisters who are drawn to the Catholic Church, so that we might build up the one Body of Christ.
OUR MEMBERS
Those who join the Ordinariate desire full communion with the Catholic Church because of their belief in Her teachings and authority. Lay people who are not yet Catholic and who wish to join the Ordinariate are required to undergo a period of preparation; apply in writing to join the Ordinariate; and to be confirmed as Catholics — just as others entering the Church do.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Based in Houston, Texas, the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter has more than 40 Roman Catholic Parishes and Communities across the U.S. and Canada.
There are three Personal Ordinariates in the world:
Our Lady of Walsingham in the United Kingdom
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The Chair of Saint Peter in the United States and Canada
Our Lady of the Southern Cross in Australia