parochial vicar

Meaning

Noun

• A parish priest who assists the parish administrator. This is a priest who is assigned by the competent authority to assist the pastor in the pastoral ministry of a parish. Together as co-workers, the pastor and parochial vicar(s) carry out the functions of teaching, sanctifying and leading the people entrusted to their care. The parochial vicar is subject to the authority of the pastor.

Origin

• From Latin vicarius parochialis.