At the
head of the parish is its Rector. According to the
teachings of the Church, he is the spiritual father
and teacher of his flock and the celebrant of the
liturgical worship established by the Church. He
teaches and edifies the People of God entrusted to
his spiritual care "with no partiality" (James
2:1) and sees to it that all activities within the
parish serve the religious goals of the Church.
The rector is appointed by the Diocesan Bishop and cannot leave his parish without the permission of the Bishop. No activities in the parish can be initiated without his knowledge, approval, and blessing; neither should he do anything pertaining to the parish without the knowledge of his parishioners and parish organs elected by them, so that always and everywhere there may be unity, mutual trust, cooperation, and love. In conformity with his teaching office, the Rector shall have final authority over the church school. To be free from material preoccupations and wholly committed to his sacred ministry, the priest must be compensated by the parish, the amount of his compensation being clearly agreed upon at the time of his appointment.
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