Priest transfer question?

[twf]

In my archdiocese, most priests, including pastors, seem to be transferred on a fairly regular basis. There appears to be, however, certain exceptions. At one parish I attend, the pastor, who is a well known and beloved monsignor, has been the pastor there for 20 years. I think the archbishop gives him more leeway because of his special status among the presbyterate. Another example is the dean of my part of the city who has been pastor of his parish for the last ten years with no signs of him moving elsewhere…he also happens to be a respected senior member of the presbyterate - not to mention the diocese’s exorcist.

 

[Joannm]

In our diocese newly ordained are usually in their first parish for 5 years (that is unless their is a problem or if the priest is sent for further education before the 5 years). After that the regular assignment is 6 years (same exceptions as above). Pastors serve for 6 years renewable once for another 6 years unless he wants out before the term is up.

 

[Chatter163]

While different bishops have developed different policies in their dioceses, the answer to the question is no. Nothing in canon law regulates this, except that all priests incardinated in any diocese serve their assignments at the pleasure of the bishop. Bishops can make assignments at will.

 

[Angel_Bradford]

I see that my two threads were combined even though they focused on different aspects of the same subject Anyway …

With regards to Pastors … why would one parish be allowed to keep a pastor for 20+ years but a pastor from another parish be transferred after only three years? Both pastors appeared to be loved by their parish.

Canon law protects a pastor and, basically, he has to agree to move to a new parish. A PV doesn’t have that protection.

 

[Sir_Knight]

Canon law protects a pastor and, basically, he has to agree to move to a new parish.

That’s what I was thinking. Can you please provide supporting references? Thanks in advance.

 

[JulianN]

It’s possible that the long-time pastors have simply refused to move, and the quick transfers have either requested the transfer (applied for an open parish) or acceded to the bishop’s request to move. Pastors cannot simply be transferred by their bishop without cause – they have to agree to it.

The parochial vicars usually are transferred after specific terms – but that can change depending on the diocese’s needs.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

When I was small, over 50 years ago, I lived for a while in Eastport, Maine, which is a long way from anywhere. The bishop tried to transfer the pastor and the pastor refused to go. He claimed that this was his prerogative because he had paid for his own education. That probably was the rule at the time.

The bishop agreed that he didn’t have to move, but pointed out that he [the Bishop] didn’t have to move him. He hoped Father liked Eastport. He spent the rest of his life there.

 

[Aramis]

Can a Diocese priest be transferred to a different Diocese either by his choice or at the decision of the bishop? How does this affect the priest’s vow at ordination to be faithful to the bishop and his successors? A bishop from a different Diocese would not be that bishop’s successor but a peer?

Yes. Even to other Catholic Churches. (EG: from the Roman Church to the Ruthenian Catholic Church or the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.)

Such transfer does not change the cleric’s incardination, and requires the permission of the cleric and both bishops.

the relevant canon law, translated to english, can be found at: vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__PX.HTM

 

[Halos1n2Horns]

I am so glad to see this question, because our Priest did up and leave for health reasons and he claimed he was to young for our parish, but he also left the diocese for another, but has to return in 3 years to complete his term in the diocese he was ordained in.

I was wondering how that worked I didn’t know Priest could just up and leave one diocese and join another, because of health issues or the people , But he was a First time Pastor fresh out of the seminary, and our church was his first love, It was just to much for him, being a young priest, But he did a awesome job while he was here he merged 3 churches in one two are being combined as one, ( after construction). and one for the name only.

Thank you all for clearing up a question i been pondering on about this ordeal.

Halos

Not only did he change diocese but he changed states to. I feel he was a good Priest, excellent homiliest,

 

[Chatter163]

I am so glad to see this question, because our Priest did up and leave for health reasons and he claimed he was to young for our parish, but he also left the diocese for another, but has to return in 3 years to complete his term in the diocese he was ordained in.

I was wondering how that worked I didn’t know Priest could just up and leave one diocese and join another, because of health issues or the people…

Not sure why you choose to use the expression “up and leave” (I guess it may seem like it to you), but you can be sure that when a priest transfers from one diocese to another, short or long-term, he does so ONLY with the permission of his bishop.

 

[Halos1n2Horns]

chatter
sorry about that but thats more or less what he did , Yes he got permission from the bishop but he gave us a two month warning and he knew about this for awhile. So thats why i say up and leave. sorry if it was a wrong way to put it.

 

[Chatter163]

chatter
sorry about that but thats more or less what he did , Yes he got permission from the bishop but he gave us a two month warning and he knew about this for awhile. So thats why i say up and leave. sorry if it was a wrong way to put it.

A two-month notice? That is more advance notice than most clerics ever get or give. So, how would this move had to have been handled for you NOT to call it “upping and leaving,” but just “transferring”?