The present Code of Canon Law states:
“A parish is a community of the Christian faithful established on a stable basis within a particular Church; the pastoral care of the parish is entrusted to a pastor as its own shepherd under the authority of the diocesan bishop” (CCC No. 515).
The pastor has responsibilities to his flock:
- He must preach the Word of God;
- instruct the people in the faith; promote apostolic works;
- see to the Catholic education of children;
- reach out to those either who have stopped practicing the faith or who do not believe;
- ensure the devout celebration of the sacraments,
- particularly the most holy Eucharist and penance; and foster family prayer.
However, the people of the parish have responsibilities too:
The Second Vatican Council’s “Decree on the Apostolate of Lay People” asserts that the laity should be filled with an apostolic spirit and work closely with their priests.
“A parish is a community of the Christian faithful established on a stable basis within a particular Church; the pastoral care of the parish is entrusted to a pastor as its own shepherd under the authority of the diocesan bishop” (CCC No. 515).
“Nourished by their active participation in the liturgical life of their community,
- they engage zealously in its apostolic works;
- they draw men and women toward the Church who have been perhaps very far away from it;
- they ardently cooperate in the spread of the word of God, particularly by catechetical instruction;
- by their expert assistance they increase the efficacy of the care of souls as well as of the administration of the goods of the Church (No. 10).
Therefore, the pastor, his assistants and the faithful work together.
They build a sense of community within the parish, particularly by participating in liturgical and devotional practices of the community.
Through the spirit and practice of the laity and clergy working together to foster this community, the relationship of the parish to the bishop is strengthened (“Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy,” No. 42).