The Archbishop of Paris
The term “cathedral” comes from the word “cathedra,” meaning the bishop’s seat. A bishop is a priest with authority over a diocese. According to the law separating church and state, he is the official custodian of cathedrals built before 1905, which are properties either of municipalities or the state. In Paris, he delegates his power to parish priests or the rector-archpriest in the case of the cathedral.
Ordained as a priest in 1979, Monsignor Laurent Ulrich was appointed Archbishop of Chambéry in 2000 and then Archbishop of Lille in 2008. Pope Francis appointed him Archbishop of Paris on April 26, 2022. He was installed as the 30th Archbishop and 142nd Bishop of Paris on Monday, May 23, 2022. On May 7, 2022, he was also appointed Ordinary of the Catholics of the Eastern Churches residing in France without their own ordinary.
The Rector-Archpriest of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral
A rector is a priest responsible for a basilica. Notre-Dame has been a minor basilica since 1805, by decision of Pope Pius VII. The archpriest is the priest who manages a cathedral.
Ordained a priest in 1990 by Cardinal Lustiger, Monsignor Olivier Ribadeau Dumas was appointed pastor of the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in 2001, and then pastor of Saint-Jean-Baptiste-de-Grenelle in 2005. He became Secretary General of the Conference of Bishops of France in 2011 and its spokesperson in 2015. After completing his mission, he became rector of the Sanctuary of Lourdes in September 2019. On September 1, 2022, he became rector-archpriest of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral and parish administrator of Saint Germain l’Auxerrois.
The Chapter
Originally, the canons forming the Chapter gathered in the cathedral choir to sing the daily Offices. Today, the Chapter’s mission is to support the bishop and pray for the intentions of his diocese. The bishop appoints the canons based on the diocesan duties they perform or have performed. They are divided into three groups: titular canons, honorary canons, and canons of honor.
Father Emmanuel Boudet currently serves as the Dean of the Chapter at Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. Appointed by the college of titular canons, he ensures the smooth functioning of the canonical institution.
The Priests
Notre-Dame’s chaplains are Father Guillaume Normand, Father Olivier Scache, Father Henry de Villefranche, Father Stéphane-Paul Bentz, Father Philippe Desgens and Father Bertrand Dufour. They are assisted by two student priests, Father Albert Ntumba Kamona and Father Egide Nzeyimana, and a deacon, Monsieur Etienne Maître.
The Clerks Who Assist with Celebrations
The grand clerks (or altar servers) are high school students, university students, or young professionals who commit to serving at the altar to help ensure the smooth running and beauty of the liturgy.
Under the guidance of a master of ceremonies, they perform the various functions needed for celebrations.
They regularly participate in times of prayer, training, and friendly gatherings with the cathedral rector. These meetings are an integral part of their service.
They receive a cross from the Archbishop to wear while serving at the altar in the cathedral.
The Knights of the Holy Sepulchre
The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is the oldest of the pontifical orders, recreated in 1847 by Pope Pius IX. The Sovereign Pontiff appoints a Cardinal Grand Master (currently Cardinal Fernando Filoni). Its main mission is to support Christians in the Holy Land, both spiritually and charitably.
Most members of the Order are laypeople, fully integrated into family and professional life. At their admission ceremony, they commit for life to serving the Catholic Church and the Christian populations of the Holy Land. The Order has over 22,000 members organized into 52 lieutenancies or delegations in 29 countries. In France, there are 830 members, including 135 Dames and 52 clergy, spread across 11 regions and 31 commanderies. The Knights of the Holy Sepulchre commit for life but do not take vows. According to their status, the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem are auxiliaries of the Cathedral Chapter. They guard the Holy Relics, including the Crown of Thorns, during veneration presentations. They also participate in the Assumption ceremonies and processions on August 14 and 15 as a sign of loyalty to Mary.
