Topic:  What do some of the differences in naming conventions in Catholicism mean?

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Date originally posted: November 3, 2003

Moderator who originally posted this source: Fr. Bill Long

Question:   I have several questions:What is the difference between a parrish, basilica, and a cathedral?What is the difference between a monsignor, priest, and a deacon (Except for the fact that deacons can get married)?I know there is like a two? year waiting time for a convert to go in religious life. How long is that waiting period? Does that waiting period apply to the affiliate program, pre-novitiate, or the novitiate? I thought probably the novitiate because that is the canonical year?Thank you!!(Whoo, I feel better.)

Answer: 

A parish is a "regular parish community." A basilica is designated by the church for some special historical reason. Eg. First church started by the Jesuits in some particular locale. A cathedral is the seat of the bishop and the center of the diocese. A monsignor has been given this honorary title for special service in the church. A deacon is ordained but below the rank of priesthood in the hierarchy of orders. Deacon means "helper". They do not celebrate mass but do administer some of the sacraments.
I am not familiar with a two year waiting period for entering a religous order. I am sure that different orders may have their own practices.
Thanks for your questions. Hope this helped!