Temporary Administrator

[Guest trfr415]

What is a Temporary Administrator? How does it differ from Administrator?

Christopher

[cappie]

Can. 539 When a parish is vacant, or when the parish priest is prevented from exercising his pastoral office in the parish by reason of imprisonment, exile or banishment, or by reason of incapacity or ill health or some other cause, the diocesan Bishop is as soon as possible to appoint a parochial administrator, that is, a priest who will take the place of the parish priest in accordance with can. 540.

Can. 540 §1 The parochial administrator is bound by the same obligations and has the same rights as a parish priest, unless the diocesan Bishop prescribes otherwise.

§2 The parochial administrator may not do anything which could prejudice the rights of the parish priest or could do harm to parochial property.

§3 When he has discharged his office, the parochial administrator is to give an account to the parish priest.

If the parish priest is unable to carry out his ministry, properly or at all, due to any reasons listed in the canon, or the parish is actually vacant, the bishop is required to provide for the needs of the parishioners. Vacancy is clearly a temporary thing, pending the appointment of a permanent successor ; the other situations may be permanent or temporary and the incapacity of the parish priest may be partial or complete. If a parish priest is permanently incapable of carrying out his functions, then steps are taken to secure his resignation. In the meantime an administrator is appointed until such times as a new parish priest is appointed. If the incapacity is partial, then a temporary administrator is appointed until the parish priest resumes his duties.