Article III. On the Duties of Assistants of Parish Priests in Particular

Among assistants of parish priests, some are called assistant vicars, others cooperator vicars.

I. "To the vicar," that is, the assistant vicar, so says can. 475, § 2, "if he supplies the place of the parish priest in all things, belong all the rights and duties proper to parish priests, except the application of Mass for the people, which burdens the parish priest; but if he supplies only in part, his rights and obligations are to be drawn from the letters of deputation." With these things premised, certain things remain to be noted with regard to cooperator vicars.

II. A cooperator vicar:

1. Is bound by the obligation of residing in the parish according to diocesan statutes or laudable customs or the prescription of the Bishop; indeed the Ordinary should prudently take care, according to the norm of can. 134, that he live in the same parochial house (can. 476, § 5).

2. His rights and obligations are to be drawn from diocesan statutes, from the letters of the Ordinary, and from the commission of the parish priest himself; but, unless something else is expressly provided, he must assist the parish priest in the whole parochial ministry, except the application of Mass for the people (can. 476, § 6). Specifically, with regard to competence for assisting at marriage, see the tract on Matrimony.

3. He is subject to the parish priest, who should instruct him paternally and direct him in the care of souls, watch over him, and at least annually report concerning him to the Ordinary (can. 476, § 7).