Definition: The word "archdiocese" comes from Latin, meaning "one with an arch." It's a diocesan administrative body in the Catholic Church that oversees various ecclesiastical offices and functions related to clergy, churches, and religious orders. In English, it refers to a bishopric or diocese within a diocese, which is a separate administrative division of a metropolitan archdiocese. The definition of "archdiocese" typically includes its geographical location and size, along with the number and specific responsibilities of its diocesan clergy, bishops, and other ecclesiastical officials. The term "arch," as in "one with an arch," is often used figuratively to describe a significant authority or position that has been established for centuries. Archdiocese: An administrative body under a bishop or a metropolitan who oversees the clergy, churches, and religious orders in a diocese.

archdiocese

Definition: The term "archdiocese" is a term used in the Catholic Church for a bishopric. It describes a regional diocese or ecclesiastical entity that's located within a single cathedral, typically serving as a local governing body. Each archdiocese is governed by its own bishop, who has authority over matters such as canon law and financial management. This concept helps ensure that the entire diocese remains unified and can function effectively under the leadership of one bishop.

archdioceses