Abp. Aymond explains 6-year terms for pastors By Peter Finney Jr., Clarion Herald Beginning this year, Archbishop Gregory Aymond will assign new pastors for a six-year term, which can be renewed for a second six-year term and, perhaps, beyond that. “According to canon law, appointments as pastor can be made for six years, or they are open-ended, which could be interpreted as being for the lifetime of a person, unless the bishop and the pastor agree that they should move,” Archbishop Aymond said. Before modifying the appointment criteria, the archbishop consulted with the Presbyteral Council and the Council of Deans, which he said unanimously agreed that a six-year term, which can be renewed, was best for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The new criteria is not retroactive to any pastor assigned before 2014. “At the end of the six years, there will be a conversation between the priest and the archbishop,” Archbishop Aymond said. “We will look at the priest’s gifts, his happiness and the satisfaction of the people and together determine whether he should be reassigned for another six years. “At the end of those six years, if there is good cause, it could be extended. It can be for an extended period of time if there is good reason.” Archbishop Aymond said a growing number of dioceses across the United States have adopted the six-year pastoral term. While individual parishioners may feel hurt when a beloved pastor moves on to another assignment, Archbishop Aymond said the needs of the archdiocese are important. “I know it’s painful to lose someone whom you love and admire and who has been a part of your family, but we are not ordained for a parish – we are ordained for ministry within the archdiocese,” Archbishop Aymond said. “In most cases, a priest does very good work. He totally immerses himself into the parish and into the parish’s ministry. “At a certain time, it is perhaps important for him and for the people for him to move on. More importantly, if there is an opportunity where his particular gifts are needed, then it’s up to me to bring that to his attention and say, ‘I believe this is a sign from God that we need you someplace else.” Archbishop Aymond said he has been “overwhelmed” by the positive reaction of priests when they are asked to take on a new assignment. “The cooperation and spirit of collaboration by the priests who serve in the archdiocese has been incredible,” Archbishop Aymond said. “When we have determined through prayer and conversation with the priest personnel committee that it would be helpful for a priest to be transferred, our priests have always been most open to that. It’s extraordinarily rare that a priest has asked for me to reconsider.”
Peter Finney Jr.
Clarion Herald
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