Is it possible to switch dioceses?

[Shoreguy1105]

Just for a point of clarification. One can join any parish one wants? I was of the understanding that by Cannon Law (I can not cite the section) one must be a member of one’s territorial parish unless one belonged to an “ethnic” parish. In my case I was (and I am still) a member of my “ethnic” (Polish) parish. When I moved to a different Diocese, I still maintained my membership in that Parish.

 

[Andreas_Hofer]

Just for a point of clarification. One can join any parish one wants? I was of the understanding that by Cannon Law (I can not cite the section) one must be a member of one’s territorial parish unless one belonged to an “ethnic” parish. In my case I was (and I am still) a member of my “ethnic” (Polish) parish. When I moved to a different Diocese, I still maintained my membership in that Parish.

One can “register” at and attend any parish they wish. Canonically, though, you always belong to the parish in whose boundaries you reside (or, for a personal parish, in whose boundaries you reside and whose personal qualifications you fulfill). Personal parishes are also always territorial. When you moved to a different diocese, you ceased (canonically) to be a parishioner in your old ethnic parish. You are free to continue attending, but you are now a parishioner where you live.

 

[John_Higgins]

Shoreguy,

While it may be the case de jure (which I still dispute), in very many dioceses you are de facto a member of whatever parish and whatever diocese you consider yourself a member.

Point here is that, other than a few people no one cares. There are a couple of dioceses where it matters, but in my discussions with Catholics across the country, it simply doesn’t matter.

John

 

[Shoreguy1105]

There seems to be two streams of thought here. For example, if one wishes to be married in the parish one is registered in, however, one lives in the territory of another parish, does one need the permission of the territorial parish’s pastor to be married by the pastor of the parish one is a member of? In my particular case, I was married by the pastor of the parish I have been a member of all my life (and actively attended) but I was living in a different diocese at the time. Does that make my marriage void since I know that my pastor never contacted any parish in the diocese where I lived at the time. To me, the idea of parish boundaries is a bit silly in this date and age. IMO it would be better if people register where they feel most comfortable and most at home.

 

[rwoehmke]

I live in a diocese and parish right on the border of WI and MN. Lots of folks, depending on their preference, belong to parishes across the border. I have friends in my city, who cross over to MN parishes and also friends from MN who belong to my parish. Sometimes it gets like musical chairs, but there are always enough seats for everyone.

 

[Andreas_Hofer]

There seems to be two streams of thought here. For example, if one wishes to be married in the parish one is registered in, however, one lives in the territory of another parish, does one need the permission of the territorial parish’s pastor to be married by the pastor of the parish one is a member of? In my particular case, I was married by the pastor of the parish I have been a member of all my life (and actively attended) but I was living in a different diocese at the time. Does that make my marriage void since I know that my pastor never contacted any parish in the diocese where I lived at the time. To me, the idea of parish boundaries is a bit silly in this date and age. IMO it would be better if people register where they feel most comfortable and most at home.

No, it does not void a marriage.

It’s true that boundaries long ago ceased to function meaningfully in the US, and part of that is because the 1983 CIC removed most all of the canons that gave those boundaries teeth, but I think you’re looking at the obsolescence in a one-sided manner. You’re looking at it from the standpoint of those Catholics who are actively seeking pastoral care in good faith. But a pastor’s duties include caring for those who are lapsed or have no faith, too - in other words, the parish boundaries make sure that everyone has someone who is assigned to their care; even if they have yet to even seek out care, it is the pastor’s job to see to their spiritual well-being.

 

[Shoreguy1105]

I agree if one is not registered in a parish then it makes sense that one’s “parish” should be the closet parish to one’s home. My only concern is that some chruches use the parish boundry system to limit the people permitted to register in their parish. I think that limited people to their choice of parishes is the wrong move.

 

[Leeta]

How do one determine who one’s pastor is in your own diocese (where one lives)? When there are several parishes adjacent to each other, it seems to not really matter which one one attends.
Also, if ones needs are not being met at the socalled home parish for a beautiful, reverent liturgy without liturgical abuse and without nonliturgical music, then the faithful certainly may travel, if need be to another diocese. That is what we do. We no longer support the local one monetarily.

Afterall if one day you suddenly stopped going to Mass (may God forbid), how would your pastor even know? The pastor is so busy that he has no time to even know you aren’t there. He certainly couldn’t and wouldn’t force you. Few pastors enforce moral or liturgical norms (witness Archbishop Wuerl allowing proabort politicians to receive Holy Communion), much less a particular geographic location for your Mass attendance.

 

[John_Higgins]

Andreas Hofer:

…the parish boundaries make sure that everyone has someone who is assigned to their care; even if they have yet to even seek out care, it is the pastor’s job to see to their spiritual well-being.

Andreas,

That’s the first cogent argument I’ve ever heard about parish boundaries. Thanks. As far as the rest goes, I’m obviously in the “Go where you’re fed” camp along with Father Serpa.

John

 

[Andreas_Hofer]

I agree if one is not registered in a parish then it makes sense that one’s “parish” should be the closet parish to one’s home. My only concern is that some chruches use the parish boundry system to limit the people permitted to register in their parish. I think that limited people to their choice of parishes is the wrong move.

A parish may be able to prevent you from registering, but they can’t prevent you from attending. I do see this being a problem, though, if parishes are refusing to let you participate in their religious ed or sacramental prep programs - if you can’t get a solid formation in your geographic parish they should be willing to welcome you to theirs. Really, as unhelpful as the system may appear to us in the 21st century, I think we all ought to remember that the law does not presume that parish priests are dissident and disobedient (i.e., it should be unimaginable that someone would have to leave a parish because of bad liturgy, etc.).

Andreas,

That’s the first cogent argument I’ve ever heard about parish boundaries. Thanks. As far as the rest goes, I’m obviously in the “Go where you’re fed” camp along with Father Serpa.

John

I live to serve. Just for the record, I also go where I am fed. For the span of about a year, I lived within the bounds of a parish in which I still have yet to set foot. It’s just my personal crusade to make sure people know the legal reality behind parishes and “registration.”