For any society to function well, there needs to be a good system of just laws by which citizens can order their lives. This is true in civil society, but also in the society of the Church. The Church is a society – it is God’s Society, His Kingdom – and the Society of God is governed by the Laws of the Church, known as Canon Law. While laws often get a bad rap, the Church’s laws are rather enriching and they articulate important values. I was recently looking over the canons (laws) governing pastors, and I want to share with you these two canons that indicate the kind of things a pastor is obliged to do by law in the Church:
Can. 528 §1. A pastor is obliged to make provision so that the word of God is proclaimed in its entirety to those living in the parish; for this reason, he is to take care that the lay members of the Christian faithful are instructed in the truths of the faith, especially by giving a homily on Sundays and holy days of obligation and by offering catechetical instruction. He is to foster works through which the spirit of the gospel is promoted, even in what pertains to social justice. He is to have particular care for the Catholic education of children and youth. He is to make every effort, even with the collaboration of the Christian faithful, so that the message of the gospel comes also to those who have ceased the practice of their religion or do not profess the true faith. §2. The pastor is to see to it that the Most Holy Eucharist is the center of the parish assembly of the faithful. He is to work so that the Christian faithful are nourished through the devout celebration of the sacraments and, in a special way, that they frequently approach the sacraments of the Most Holy Eucharist and penance. He is also to endeavor that they are led to practice prayer even as families and take part consciously and actively in the sacred liturgy which, under the authority of the diocesan bishop, the pastor must direct in his own parish and is bound to watch over so that no abuses creep in.
Can. 529 §1. In order to fulfill his office diligently, a pastor is to strive to know the faithful entrusted to his care. Therefore, he is to visit families, sharing especially in the cares, anxieties, and griefs of the faithful, strengthening them in the Lord, and prudently correcting them if they are failing in certain areas. With generous love he is to help the sick, particularly those close to death, by refreshing them solicitously with the sacraments and commending their souls to God; with particular diligence, he is to seek out the poor, the afflicted, the lonely, those exiled from their country, and similarly those weighed down by special difficulties. He is to work so that spouses and parents are supported in fulfilling their proper duties and is to foster the growth of Christian life in the family. §2. A pastor is to recognize and promote the proper part that the lay members of the Christian faithful have in the mission of the Church, by fostering their associations for the purposes of religion. He is to cooperate with his own bishop and the presbyterate of the diocese, also working so that the faithful have concern for parochial communion, consider themselves members of the diocese and of the universal Church, and participate in and sustain efforts to promote this same communion.
This is a very high bar! And I know I fall short so often; in His great mercy, the Lord has placed precious treasure in me, His earthen vessel (2 Cor 4:7). I find these canons especially moving, and they give me a lot to think about as a pastor. I pray that I can be the kind of pastor the Church asks me to be, and as we look ahead to “Year 2” of my service to these parishes I will certainly be keeping these things before my mind and heart. I know so many of you pray for me – and for all priests – every day. Please don’t stop! By God’s grace and your prayers, may I and all parish priests become the shepherds the flock needs, the shepherds the Lord desires them to have. May God bless you in the week ahead, and may Mother Mary lead you more deeply into the Sacred and Merciful Heart of Jesus. I remain,
Affectionately Yours in Christ,
Fr. Hess
