Most Rev.
Gerald Wiesner
O.M.I.
 
  Parishes Without a Resident Priest-Pastor

  1. The position of Pastoral Life Director will be established:
    • This person(s) will have the responsibility to participate in the pastoral care of the parish community as outlined in Canon 517, #2, and in accord with the description of this role and responsibility determined by local guidelines
    • This is a pastoral position whose role and responsibility would embrace the issues of pastoral care not reserved to a priest outlined in Canon 528-529. They include:
      • Programs promoting gospel values, including issues of social justice
      • Catholic education of children and young adults
      • Outreach to inactive Catholics
      • Ecumenism and evangelization
      • Programs of sacramental life and preparation
      • Promotion of Eucharistic devotion
      • Enhancement of programs for the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion
      • Inculcation of prayer life, especially within families
      • Effective participation in the liturgy
      • Methods of acquaintance with parishioners, the welcoming of new comers, home visiting, efforts at building community
      • Motivation of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy
      • Special care for the sick and dying
      • Tangible concern for the poor, the afflicted, the lonely, the exiled
      • Fostering of solid Christian life
      • Promotion of the lay apostolate
      • Strengthening Catholic identity with Bishop, diocese and universal church
    • Serious efforts are to be made to have the full Eucharistic celebration on Sundays and Holy Days. In the absence of a priest the Pastoral Life Director will lead, or prepare others to lead, the approved celebrations
    • In addition the Pastoral Life Director will oversee the business management and records of the parish
    • It being understood that the Pastoral Life Director will work collaboratively with the Parish Pastoral Council, Parish Finance Council and other persons in the carrying out of all responsibilities.
    • The Pastoral Life Director will be accountable to a priest who will serve as the canonical pastor for the parish

  2. A priest will be named Pastor:
    • To serve as the canonical pastor for the parish
    • The Pastoral Life Director is accountable to the Pastor
    • Canon 530 addresses the functions which are especially entrusted to the pastor of a parish or faith community. They are as follows:
      • The administration of baptism
      • The administration of the sacraments of Confirmation to whose lives are in danger of death
      • The administration of Viaticum and the anointing of the sick
      • The assistance at marriages and the imparting of the nuptial blessing
      • The performing of funerals
      • The blessing of the baptismal font during the Easter season
      • The more solemn celebration of the Eucharist on Sundays and holy days of obligation
    • While the Pastor is the ordinary minister of these celebrations there are exceptions, as may be the case with baptism, marriage and funerals.