Chapter Policy
on Presiders

  • Background

    • Dignity San Diego is in a unique position in that we have many priests currently available to preside at our weekly mass. Three priests are currently presiding on a rotating schedule. Two additional priests have indicated a desire to also serve the chapter in this capacity. The question is who decides when a priest can or should be scheduled to preside for us. Hand in hand with that question is another issue, which could arise. Specifically, is it appropriate to remove a priest from the presider schedule if the individual is not serving in the best interests of the chapter, or for other reasons. And finally the policy needs to address who makes these decisions.

  • Role of Presider

    • The role of the presider at our liturgies should be viewed as a service to the chapter. It should never be viewed as a position that any priest automatically has a right to perform simply because they are ordained and they want to celebrate mass for us. The emphasis here must be on what our community, (the chapter as a whole) needs and wants, not what a particular individual wants. In short, it may be the desire of the priest to preside, but is his presiding in the best interests of the chapter.

    • With this perspective in mind, it seems appropriate that the community, through the chapter leadership, invite those priests we need or want to preside. To extend this invitation to preside, it is imperative the community, again through the chapter leaders, fully understand the priest and his perspective on the Church and on Dignity. Likewise, the priest should be knowledgeable about our community and the issues facing our chapter.

  • Chapter Needs

    • Our community needs to have presiders who are in full agreement with the position and purpose of our organization. We certainly do not need anyone preaching to us about what the bible says about homosexuality. And we don't want someone who has a grudge to bear against the larger Church.

    • Then there is the question of how many presiders do we as a chapter actually need. We could get by with 1 or 2. Three has worked fine. There have been occasions when we have had five and it has not been a problem. Is there an upper limit? The more we have, the less we may see of each one. On the other hand, there are definite advantages in having many priests available. For instance we would be less likely to not have one available every week and for emergencies.

  • Impact on Other Presiders

    • This could be a sensitive area. We have three priests who have served our chapter very well for some time now. More presiders means they will be scheduled less often. This could be taken as a slight if not handled properly. It could also appear we do not fully appreciate the contributions made by these individuals. This area needs to be discussed with all the presiders.

  • Removal of a Presider from the Rotation

    • As difficult a subject as this is, this area needs to be considered as well. During my term as President, there were two occasions when I began to consider the possibility of asking a presider to step aside. Fortunately, in both cases, the priests did step aside of their own accord. Unfortunately, this did not prevent the departure of a number of our members as well.

    • By carefully considering each priest before inviting him to preside for us, we will be in a better position to avoid the possibility of having to uninvite a presider. Likewise, if the priest fully understands his role as one of service to the chapter and the organization's position and purpose, the chances of the priest placing us in this awkward position should be greatly reduced.

Author: Mike Bekemeier

  • Policy Adopted by Dignity San Diego Executive Board (Community Council), January 10, 1996

  1. The Community Council members and the Liturgy Committee members should get to know the priest better. Since we have no shortage of priests at this time, there is no need to rush into any quick decisions.

  2. The other priests should also get better acquainted with him and be encouraged to include him in their meetings.

  3. Make sure the priest fully understands Dignity, and our statement of position and purpose.

  4. Make sure the priest understands the role of the chapter leadership, in particular the Community Council and it's authority.

  5. Make sure the priest understands the invitation to preside is a calling by the community to serve the community; a privilege extended by the community.

  6. The priest should demonstrate his commitment to the chapter by becoming a member of the chapter.

  7. When all are comfortable with the priest, extend the invitation to him in the form of a letter from the President and the Liturgy Chair.

  8. Finally, announce in advance his first scheduled mass and plan an appropriate celebration recognizing and welcoming him as one of our new presiders.