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
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.
