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Question
Fr. Timothy,
We recently merged with another church and the new priest is generally acting in an authoritarian manner regarding spending money, delegating authority, etc. As an example, recently he demoted a dedicated, long-standing parishioner to a lesser role in the parish, and asked the Deacon to conduct RCIA meetings. The Deacon had never done this before, was not prepared for his first meeting, and didn't even attend the second one.
I looked up Canon law, and my impression is that Parish Councils are no more than a rubber stamp for whatever the priest wants to do. Regarding spending of Church funds, doesn't (or shouldn't) the parish council have some authority other than as an advisory group? I for one will halt contributions if I find out that this priest is spending without any input from council.
Thank you for your attention. You answered a prior question for me very thoughtfully. You are a real asset to Catholics everywhere.
-Don
Hi, Don:
Thanks for the question.
You are correct that ultimately the Priest holds the authority of administrating the parish with the finance council acting as an advisory board. Nevertheless, a Priest is still supposed to be bound by right reason, and ought to weigh the advise and input of the council from those with a lot of experience in the particular parish. It is certainly sad to hear of situations where the Priest is spending too much money, etc. There are supposed to be Diocesan guidelines in place that put a check on any kind of potential problems in this regard. I am sorry to hear what you describe. In my case, there have been times where some of the people almost seem upset that I as Pastor have been too frugal about spending money, always looking for ways to save as much as possible. I am always looking to cut waste and to use resources efficiently.
In a sense there probably is not a lot anybody can do unless the Priest in question is blatantly violating Diocesan statutes, or is breaking civil law. I hope that nothing of the sort is going on, as it always has the potential of being such a mess. Sorry to hear about the troubles at your parishes.
Fr. Timothy Johnson
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Fr. Timothy Johnson
Expertise
A Traditional Catholic Priest, validly and licitly ordained, incardinated legally and canonically in the Diocese of Fargo, and in good-standing with my Local Ordinary (Bishop) on active assignment at a rural Tri-Parish. I can provide honest and balanced answers to questions on topics pertaining to Traditional Roman Catholicism of the Latin Church (Councils of Trent and Vatican II)and a lot about the Eastern Catholic Churches, including the Sacred Liturgy, Sacred Scripture, Church History, the use of the Latin language, the tradition of Sacred Music, and current events in the Catholic Church from a traditional, historical and balanced perspective.
Experience
I have been ordained a Roman Catholic Priest since June 2001.
Organizations
Knights of Columbus; Church Music Association of America (CMAA)
Education/Credentials
Ordained Priest, 02 JUN 2001; Ordained Deacon, 27 JAN 2001; MA - Dogmatic/Systematic Theology;
MDiv - Professional Degree from Seminary;
2-Years formation with Canons Regular of Premontre including studies and experience in Sacred Liturgy, Chant, Latin, Sacraments, Spirituality.
BA - Scholastic/Thomistic Philosophy;
BA - Liberal Arts;
AA - General Studies.
Past/Present Clients
I serve 3-small, rural Parish Communities in Easter North Dakota
I converted to the Roman Catholic Church in 1981, at the age of 15.
Over the years I have done work as an organist, cantor, and choir director for the Latin Rite (English & Latin) Mass (Liturgy of the Eucharist), and even for the Hours of the Divine Office.
I have worked as a cantor for a Melkite Byzantine Catholic Church.
Presently my pastoral and administrative duties as a Catholic Priest do not allow me as much time as I used to have to devote to Sacred Music; but for my weekend Masses and Solemnities within my Tri-Parish, I offer High Sung Mass in English. Weekday Mass is typically Low Mass (recited Mass) in English, though on occasion I will offer the "Tridentine Mass" in Latin, which I usually offer on my "Day Off", as well. And now, in light of the "Motu Proprio" by his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI placing the extraordinary usage of the Roman Rite back into the mainstream of the Catholic Church, I have been offering a regularly scheduled SUN, 2:00 PM Tridentine Latin Mass with a community of the faithful that has a stable existence.
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