Does a priest have to be transfered after 12 years?

[mrpat47]

Is it required that a priest be transferred after 12 years?

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

Code of Canon Law:

Can. 522 A pastor must possess stability and therefore is to be appointed for an indefinite period of time. The diocesan bishop can appoint him only for a specific period if the conference of bishops has permitted this by a decree.

USCCB:

Individual ordinaries may appoint pastors to a six year term of office. The possibility of renewing this term is left to the discretion of the diocesan bishop. The primary provision of canon 522 that pastors may be appointed for an indefinite period of time remains in force.

Both Canon Law and the USCCB grant the local Bishop the authority to set “term limits” for pastors. A Bishop who has a rule of transferring pastors after 12 years is well within the authority granted him by the USCCB which sets terms at 6 years with renewal at the discretion of the Bishop.