A hierarchical society
The Society of St. Pius X is a priestly society of common life without vows. Like any priestly or religious society, it is organized hierarchically.
A superior general is elected every 12 years. In governing the society he is advised and counseled by two assistants.
The regions of the world in which the Society is present are divided into districts and autonomous houses; superiors are appointed to head them.
Each seminary or house of formation for future priests is also entrusted to a superior, called rector.
The SSPX’s districts or autonomous houses are themselves organized into priories, houses sheltering several priests, brothers, sisters or oblates.
All members of the Society are thus part of a hierarchical organization: superior general, district superior, seminary rector, prior, etc., and every member, by his commitment in the Society and by his promise of obedience, willingly subjects himself to that hierarchy according to the norms defined by Church law and the SSPX’s Statutes.
The Society of St. Pius X has 6 international seminaries established on 4 continents. In 2014, it consists of 14 districts and 2 autonomous houses, in which it performs a parochial sort of ministry through its priories and dedicates itself to many works: third orders, chaplaincies, retreat houses, primary and secondary schools, higher education, residences for the elderly, dispensaries and missions, works of charity.