Canon 530 lists for all the functions especially entrusted to a pastor: “the administration of Baptism;…the administration of the sacrament of Confirmation to those who are in danger of death…;
Pastor's Notes
Canon 530 lists for all the functions especially entrusted to a pastor: “the administration of Baptism;…the administration of the sacrament of Confirmation to those who are in danger of death…; the administration of Viaticum and of the Anointing of the Sick…and the imparting of the Apostolic Blessing; …the assistance at Marriages and the Nuptial Blessing;…the performance of Funeral Rites;…the blessing of the Baptismal Font at Easter…, the leading of processions outside the church, and solemn blessings outside the church;…the more solemn Eucharistic celebration on Sunday and holy days of obligation.” Though we will speak in future weeks in greater details about the manner in which the Eucharist and other sacraments are commemorated a few comments I think are in order. As the shepherd of Saint Stanislaus Kostka I can only baptize those people who identify themselves as present members of the faith community. When one moves into another area the priest who is assigned to the local parish becomes automatically the person’s pastor. Therefore, if they wish to return to Pleasant Valley for the happy event of bringing a child into the faith, a letter of permission must be sought from their pastor where they now attend Mass. A similar request is placed on those who wish to exchange their vows here. Additionally, if the couple wishes to have a visiting priest to preside at the rites, the celebrant must seek jurisdiction from the pastor so that the marriage is considered valid. (In my case, were I asked to return to Saint Martin de Porres, I would seek delegation from Monsignor James Sullivan, my successor there.) As I have mentioned before from the pulpit and in the bulletin that it is most disconcerting to be called to minister to a dying individual only to find out that they have been living in the area for years but have been homebound. It is our privilege and serious responsibility to tend to the sick. They cannot come to us, so we must go to them. EWTN permits observation, not participation. A concern of many priests, including our Archbishop, is the growing trend of families not celebrating their loss with a celebration of the Eucharist but reducing the spiritual moment to a service at the funeral home. Every Catholic deserves to be commended to the Lord in the context of the Mass of Christian Burial.
Not only does the pastor represent his people in all juridic matters, civil and religious, he is obligated to administer all the goods of the parish, known in law as “temporalities”. Some parishes have hired, at a considerable expense I might add, parish managers. These individuals do not possess any authority which supercedes or limits the discretionary power of the pastor. In much of the literature today the concepts of stewardship are emphasized in pastoral leadership. The priest who leads the faith community must realize the preciousness of that which has been received from the people, spiritually and materially. He must utilize all of the goods under his control for the greater honor and glory of God and the service of the community.
Each Sunday one can observe that there is a Mass offered for the people of the parish. This is in accordance with the call of law that “after a pastor has taken possession of his parish, he is obliged to apply a Mass for the people entrusted to him on each Sunday and holy day of obligation in his diocese. If he is legitimately impeded from this celebration, however, he is to apply it on the same days through another or on other days himself.” (c. 534) Two brief comments should be made. It is a common misunderstanding that priests must say Mass everyday. They do not. Pastors must fulfill the above. Having said that it is hard for me to fathom why a priest would not want to say Mass each day. I am grateful to the pastor of Saint Rita’s Church in Gouldsboro, Pa. who welcomes me at the table of the Lord when I visit my home. It is a growing experience to be able to celebrate with our brothers and sisters whether in the States or oversees. Finally, to be able to offer Mass for my people is a privilege and not just a duty and I cherish every opportunity.,
As the Bishop is advised by various bodies so the canons call for pastors to form groups in concert with his Ordinary. “If the diocesan bishop judges it opportune after he has heard the presbyteral council, a pastoral council is to be established in each parish, over which the pastor presides and in which the Christian faithful, together with those who share in pastoral care by virtue of their office in the parish, assist in fostering pastoral activity… A pastoral council possesses a consultative rate only and is governed by the norms established by the diocesan bishop.” (c. 536) Parish councils, as they are called in the United States have a checkered history because of misunderstanding and lack of knowledge. For instance, even clergy, in the 1970’s referred to them as “lay councils.” Pastors would not even attend meetings. Thinking they had administrative authority some councils questioned the pastor on the amount of the food bill or why a new rug was bought for the rectory. Other councils squabbled over what constitutes a quorum and how by-laws should be adopted to the constitution. Why? As the law states a parish council is advisory. The pastor should be seeking opinions from the consensus of the group not on an up or down rate. Having been here at Saint Stanislaus Kostka for two years I think it is time for me to form a council of active parishioners who understand the obligations of faith and the ethos of this community. Its first work should be to define the purpose of our faith community and its ultimate goals. This will be work of prayer and social interchange. On this topic we will share more in the coming months.
This week our young people return to school. Let us pray that they will learn much about the world around them. In this day and age all of us have much to teach them about eternal verities. Let us share with them the truths of faith, the absolutes of moral living, and the central role of tolerance and love. My God bless them and us in the work ahead.
Vivat Jesus,
Fr. Brian