New guidelines strengthen parish administration and accountability

JALANDHAR, Punjab (Indian Catholic News) — Bishop Jose Sebastian Thekkumcherikunnel of Jalandhar has issued a pastoral note on diocesan administration, calling for faithful, transparent and effective functioning based on synodality and subsidiarity.

The circular, addressed to priests and sisters of the Diocese of Jalandhar, identifies areas of administration requiring “our collective attention” and outlines measures covering parish administration, diocesan commissions, institutions, finances and charitable initiatives.

“Together, we have accomplished much for the people in our care,” the bishop says in the circular published in the September issue of Christward, the diocesan bulletin. “At the same time, certain areas of administration require our collective attention so that our mission remains faithful, transparent, and effective.”

He adds that “The principle of synodality and subsidiarity should be maintained by all in the respective responsibilities entrusted to them.”

Strengthening parish administration

The note calls for greater responsibility and accountability in maintaining parish records. Family cards, which contain details of families, should be updated regularly and entrusted to the parish priest rather than catechists who struggle with English entries.

Sacramental registers should be maintained by the parish priest or assistant priest, with entries made promptly, “ideally on the same day” and according to civil documents submitted. Entries are to be made in capital letters, while certificates prepared by parish secretaries must be verified and signed by the parish priest.

Bishop Thekkumcherikunnel also highlights Basic Ecclesial Communities as central to a synodal Church. “Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) are the way forward for a synodal Church,” he says, encouraging parishes that have converted family units into BECs to continue the practice.

Each BEC should have one male and one female leader, along with one male and one female member from the CYD, to lead weekly gatherings. BEC leaders are also asked to organize members for Eucharistic adoration and intercessory prayer. CYD refers to Catholic Youth Diocese — the diocesan-level body of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement, an initiative of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of India.

Every parish should constitute a Parish Council as “a consultative body representing the Parish,” with members elected according to the approved constitution and function of the council.

A Parish Finance Council is also to be constituted in every parish. It will be a consultative body responsible for parish finances, while collections are to be recorded in the cash register and ledger and counterchecked and signed by the parish priest.

Eucharistic life and charitable support

The pastoral note also calls for stronger eucharistic-centred spirituality. The bishop asks the faithful to spend time before and after the eucharistic celebration in adoration.

“Apart from the daily eucharistic celebration, let us devote one hour to adore the Lord present in the Most Holy Eucharist,” he writes.

Each BEC unit should devote one day to Eucharistic adoration and intercessory prayer, while families are encouraged to spend an hour in intercession for the needs of the Church and the world.

The note also addresses financial pressures facing diocesan charitable programs, including house aid, medical aid, widow pensions and disabled pensions.

“Applications for assistance have multiplied, but funds are scarce due to reduced income,” the bishop says, urging Parish Councils and Parish Finance Councils to find local sources of funding.

Regarding pensions, he says the diocese must ensure assistance reaches “only those genuinely in need,” excluding those already receiving government support or those with able-bodied children able to provide for them.

Accountability in diocesan institutions

The bishop sets out responsibilities for religious congregations and directors overseeing diocesan institutions.

Institutions entrusted to religious congregations should be properly administered so they do not become “a liability and burden to the Diocese.” The teacher-student ratio should be maintained, directors should be consulted, and their dignity respected.

“Any interference beyond the role of the Director should be reported to the Provincial Superior and the Bishop, avoiding public scandal,” the note says.

Directors, meanwhile, are told not to overstep their responsibilities or reduce principals “to mere secretaries.” If a principal is unable to perform her duties, the matter should be brought to the bishop.

The note also requires diocesan service rules to be followed in staff appointments and prohibits family members and close relatives of directors and principals from being appointed to institutions they head.

Financial accountability is emphasized for institutional programs and collections. A mutually agreed percentage of funds raised through events should support diocesan charitable works, including widow and disabled pensions, house and medical aid, and scholarships.

“Pocketing such money for personal use is unethical,” the bishop states. All collections must be recorded in registers and made available for verification.

Concluding the note, Bishop Thekkumcherikunnel urges priests and sisters to fulfil their responsibilities “with diligence and integrity” and strengthen charitable initiatives through proper administration and generous support.

Read the pastoral note.