Explain how a parish pastor derives authority and what limits govern his exercise of power.

• A. The pastor’s authority comes from the diocesan bishop; he governs the parish, presides over worship, catechesis, and pastoral care, and must act within universal law, diocesan regulations, and the bishop’s directives; his power is limited by canon law and superiors’ oversight.
• B. The pastor's authority comes from the parish council and is unlimited.
• C. The pastor's authority is derived from secular authorities.
• D. The pastor can create canon law for his parish with no oversight.

Answer: (A)

In canon law, a parish pastor derives his authority from the bishop. The diocesan bishop, as the ordinary of the diocese, entrusts a priest with the care of a parish, making him the pastor of that community. With this delegation, the pastor governs the parish, presides over worship, catechesis, and pastoral care, acting in the name of the bishop and the Church.

This authority must be exercised within the framework of Church law: he is bound by the universal law of the Code of Canon Law, by diocesan regulations, and by the bishop’s directives. His decisions and actions operate under the bishop’s oversight and within the limits of his jurisdiction; he cannot legislate for the parish or act independently in ways that contravene higher law. The parish council may advise, but the pastor’s authority does not come from it and he does not derive power from secular authorities. He cannot create canon law himself; matters of canon law remain under the competence of the Holy See and the diocesan hierarchy.