Handbook for a Parish Priest of Social Services: A Survey of the Services Provided by Catholic Charities and the Department of Welfare in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, Long Island New York, 1961
Abstract
Background of the Study. The following decree is found in the Code of Canon Law: "A pastor is a priest upon whom a parish is conferred with the care of souls to be exercised under the authority of the Ordinary (the Bishop) of the place." A Canon Law commentary explaining this decree states: "The care of souls implies what is called ’domestic’ power; that is a certain disciplinary and administrative power by virtue of which the pastor, like a good father watches over, and administers his parish both spiritually and temporally, gives counsel, .. .relieves the poor,.. .and promotes the domestic peace and order." Though addressed specifically to the pastor, this Canon vicariously binds his assistants or curates. "To administer his parish both spiritually and temporally" is a short phrase which is fast becoming an over burdening task for the parish priest in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York. Table 1 gives some indication of how and to what extent the three hundred and sixty three priests are absorbed in the spiritual administration of the parishes.
Subject Area
Social work|Social research|Social studies education|Canon Law
Recommended Citation
Fagan, Robert Emmet, "Handbook for a Parish Priest of Social Services: A Survey of the Services Provided by Catholic Charities and the Department of Welfare in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, Long Island New York, 1961" (1962). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI30724982.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI30724982
