what is a parochial vicar

A parochial vicar is an assistant priest who works closely with the pastor of a parish, helping him in every way. The Code of Canon Law defines the office as follows: “Parochial vicars are priests who render their services in pastoral ministry as co-workers with the pastor in common counsel and endeavor with him and also under his authority” . They are assigned by the bishop to assist the pastor in the care of the faithful. Parochial vicars are generally assigned to larger parishes where their assistance is needed to help the pastor fulfill his obligations for the spiritual and temporal welfare of the parish. They are subject to the authority of the pastor and work together with him to carry out the functions of teaching, sanctifying, and leading the people entrusted to their care. Normally, there is only one parochial vicar, but in larger cities, there can be several vicars, and sometimes they are assigned to multiple parishes. This type of assignment is nearly always temporary, lasting only a few years, until that priest is ready to become a pastor of his own parish.