Guidelines detail expectations for clergy in Jaipur Diocese

JAIPUR, Rajasthan (Indian Catholic News)  — Pastoral guidelines hosted on the Catholic Diocese of Jaipur website outline strict expectations for diocesan clergy, setting clear regulations on personal conduct, liturgical practices, and financial management across local parishes.

The guidelines emphasize that “the communion of priests among themselves and with their bishop is not to be considered an option but as an essential condition to be a priest and to exercise the priestly ministry”. When multiple priests serve in a single parish, “it is advisable that they live in the same house and form a single community”.

“Community life means not merely living physically together but sharing in the spiritual, pastoral and human levels,” the text states. In personal conduct, a priest must cultivate traits such that “others see in him a perfect gentleman”.

Furthermore, a priest “should be very prudent in attending parties outside the presbyterium, in the consumption of alcohol/other intoxicants in order to show a good example to all and sundry,” and “must be totally transparent and accountable, especially in financial affairs”.

Pastoral care and sacraments

Regarding pastoral ministry, the document dictates that “a Parish Priest/In charge of an institution will foster a spirit of genuine communication with his assistants and the parishioners and will build up a loving, caring and a sharing fellowship among them”.

For the administration of sacraments, specific conditions are set for adult baptism. The document mandates that “in our diocese no adult should be received into the Catholic Church as a member, unless he/she is over 21 years of age”. Additionally, “a minimum of one year’s instruction-cum practice should be the norm, before an adult is initiated”.

On the Eucharist, the document mandates that “the main celebrant must use the alb, stole and the chasuble” and that “only a priest or the deacon will preach a homily at the Mass”. It notes that “communion in the hand is permitted in our diocese” provided proper reverence is maintained.

Administrative discipline

The document lays out strict financial and property regulations, declaring that “all administrators are to perform their duties with the diligence of a good householder”.

It orders that “priests are forbidden to give away, rent or lease out or allow occupation of the Church land or buildings without the written permission of the bishop,” and “by themselves are not to get involved in buying/selling of lands, building, etc. either for themselves or for others”.

Regarding parish management, “in each parish/institution there is to be a finance committee to help the priest in the administration of the goods of the parish/institution”.

Under disciplinary rules, clerics “shall wear cassock for all official functions and ceremonies”.

Term of office

The guidelines establish terms of office, setting “the term of office for a Parish Priest/ Director/Principal shall be for a minimum of 5 years to a maximum of 7 years,” while “for assistant priests a maximum of 3 years” is permitted.

Regarding attendance, “presence in one’s Station (Parish, School, and Institution) is a serious duty of every priest,” and “no priest may be absent from the diocese without the prior consent of the bishop”. Retirement is set at 75 years, after which retired priests “may reside in the Clergy Home”.

The guidelines state in conclusion that the rules “will truly serve as a Vademecum and help them to live their priestly life in an authentic manner and carry out their priestly ministry faithfully”.

Read the guidelines.