Pfarrbezirk

A Pfarrbezirk, also known as a parish district, is a geographical area within a larger parish (Pfarre) in the Roman Catholic Church. It is a subdivision of the parish, typically used in larger parishes to facilitate the administration of sacraments and the organization of parish activities. Each Pfarrbezirk is usually led by a Pfarrvikar, who is a priest or deacon appointed by the parish pastor to assist in the spiritual and administrative duties within the district.

The primary purpose of a Pfarrbezirk is to provide a more manageable structure for the parish, especially in areas with a large number of members or significant geographical spread. This allows for more efficient administration of sacraments such as baptism, confirmation, and marriage, as well as the coordination of parish events and activities. The Pfarrvikar works closely with the parish pastor to ensure that the needs of the parishioners within the district are met.

The boundaries of a Pfarrbezirk can vary depending on the size and structure of the parish. In some cases, a Pfarrbezirk may correspond to a specific neighborhood or community within the parish, while in others, it may encompass a larger area with distinct geographical features. The exact organization and structure of Pfarrbezirke can differ between dioceses and even within the same diocese, reflecting local customs and needs.

In summary, a Pfarrbezirk is a subdivision of a Roman Catholic parish, led by a Pfarrvikar, designed to facilitate the administration of sacraments and the organization of parish activities within a specific geographical area.