Parish reassignments can be stressful for priests, as well as those seated in the pews.
Dear Katrina,
I have two questions for you. What is the reason for the frequent priestly reassignments? We seem to have new priests in our parish every three years or so. Also, what is the best way to welcome our new priest? I would like to do something nice to make him feel welcome. Ideas ?
MMR
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Dear MRM,
Both are excellent questions.
I asked a few priest friends how their congregation could welcome them and their answers were as varied as their personalities. Most suggested inviting Father over for dinner, but keep in mind that some priests may be more introverted or extremely busy settling into their new mission. Feeding Father seemed to be the most suggested and appreciated tip, because who doesn’t appreciate a good meal? My favorite comment came from a local priest who said “If you feed me, I’ll remember your name.” Tip noted, padre.
There were also some suggestions that a nice welcome card to the priest was a simple, genuine effort that they often appreciated. You can even slip in a $10 gift card for gas or coffee. It doesn’t have to be an extravagant effort to always be sincere. Other ideas included spiritual bouquets (like this fine example) or offering to help or volunteer at the parish.
Now let me add how to make a priest NOT feel welcome. Don’t tell Fr. “That’s how it’s always been done” or “That’s not how Fr. The previous priest used to do things. Don’t complain to other parishioners or publicly voice your objections if the new priest does something you don’t like or disagree with; basically don’t be a talker. Patiently give each new priest the chance to find place in this new environment Patience is probably the best gift you can give to any new priest.
As for your other question, there can be several reasons for reassigning a priest to a new parish and the frequency with which this is done varies from diocese to diocese. In my own diocese, reassignments of pastors take place every six years and in other dioceses it may be without any conditions. Where there are no terms, a pastor may request to remain or be reassigned with the bishop giving final approval.
For the parochial vicar or assistant pastor, they usually have no tenure and may be moved more frequently, usually every 1-3 years. I have been told that the reason for this frequency is that they can gain experience in preparation for their more permanent role as pastor. Jhe circulation of priests generally serves practical reasons. This helps clerics broaden their experience and outlook, but it can also prevent personality cults from forming around clerics.
I know that reassignments can be stressful for everything involved, the priest and the congregation, and adapting to change may be more difficult for some than for others. Some priests make the transition with little effort and some parishioners can become very anxious when they learn that a priest they have grown attached to is moving. We could discuss the need for such frequent change. But in the end, it is important to remember that the main relationship is always between the People of God and Jesus Christ.
