THE FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPT OF PARISH ADMINISTRATION
Upon returning from presiding over our first-ever Anticipatory Mass, I encountered a telling contrast. My brief comment, “It was good,” focused on the spiritual experience, while my pastor’s immediate question, “How much was the collection?” highlighted the practical aspect. This exchange underscores the central reality of parish leadership: it demands both spiritual guidance and effective management. The parish priest is thus called to be a shepherd and a manager, empowered by knowledge, competence, wisdom, transparency, and teamwork.
THE CORE FUNCTION OF THE PASTOR AS PARISH ADMINISTRATOR
As administrator, the pastor is entrusted with two essential responsibilities: safeguarding the temporal goods and nurturing the spiritual goods of the Church.
TEMPORAL GOODS OF THE CHURCH
Temporal goods encompass all material possessions of the parish—church buildings, oratories, schools, land, farms, vehicles, investments, and stores. These assets, whether movable or immovable, require careful stewardship and management.
SPIRITUAL GOODS OF THE CHURCH
Spiritual goods refer to the sacraments and devotions celebrated according to the Church’s laws. Over time, some practices become customary and should be piously preserved for the spiritual welfare of the faithful.
THE PARISH PRIEST AS THE JURIDICAL PERSON OF THE PARISH
In canon law, just as a bishop represents his diocese, the parish priest is the juridical person and custodian of parish goods. He acts with administrative authority granted by the local ordinary (bishop). In some places, two priests may jointly serve multiple parishes (in solidum), but one always assumes the role of moderator, holding final responsibility and accountability to the diocesan bishop.
THE FUNDAMENTAL ROLES OF THE PARISH PRIEST
According to Canon 1254, apart from shepherding souls, the parish priest:
1. Acquires
2. Retains
3. Administers
4. Alienates temporal properties
ANALYSIS OF THE FOUR KEY TERMS IN CHURCH PATRIMONIAL LAW
1. ACQUIRES:
The Church has the inherent right to acquire property autonomously. The pastor may undertake projects or investments, but must consult the parish and finance councils and secure the bishop’s approval for significant expenditures. For example, in some European dioceses, any project exceeding £10,000 requires written permission from the bishop, demonstrating the parish’s financial capacity and the plan for repaying any debt.
2. ALIENATES:
The same prudence applies to selling parish assets. The pastor must avoid hastily disposing of property, especially land and vehicles, to prevent long-term losses for the parish.
THE PASTOR AS CUSTODIAN OF PARISH FUNDS, ART, MONUMENTS, AND LITURGICAL GARMENTS
Beyond finances, pastors in developed countries are subject to both ecclesiastical and state laws regarding historic church buildings. Major renovations require permissions not only from the bishop but also from governmental authorities responsible for art and heritage. In Ghana and much of Africa, bishops authorise such undertakings, ensuring adherence to Catholic architectural norms.
The establishment of parish archives and the digitisation of records are now essential. Every parish should maintain updated statistics and adopt digital tools for management and communication. It is no longer acceptable for a legally recognised parish to lack a website or social media presence.
THE SAD REALITY OF SOME PASTORS
Unfortunately, there are cases where outgoing pastors leave parishes with depleted accounts or fail to properly hand over records, even with diocesan auditing offices in place. Worse, some remove parish property upon transfer. A clear, updated parish inventory is vital for distinguishing parish assets from the personal belongings of the incumbent pastor.
PRACTICAL WISDOM IN PARISH MANAGEMENT
Practical wisdom dictates that a pastor should not spend more than the parish earns. Sustainable management requires generating multiple streams of income, not relying solely on collections or harvests. This ensures the parish can meet its obligations, maintain operations, and support clergy welfare.
THE SEVEN BAD HABITS OF A PARISH ADMINISTRATOR (First Habit)
1. A good administrator never borrows from the parish with his own money. Even well-intentioned acts can cause complications; the pastor should not become a “good Samaritan” or “Father Christmas” with parish funds.
TO BE CONTINUED…
By: Rev. Fr. Albert Kyei Danso
Chaplain, Holy Family Ghanaian Catholic Community Church, Italy.
