Pfarreien

Pfarreien, plural of Pfarrei, are the basic territorial and pastoral units of the Catholic Church in German-speaking areas. They are part of a diocese and are centered on a parish church (Pfarrkirche). A parish is typically served by a priest (Pfarrer) and, if needed, a pastoral team; its boundaries may align with civil municipalities or cross them, especially in rural regions.

Governance within a parish is organized through a Pfarrgemeinderat (parish council), elected by parishioners, and a Pfarrverwaltung (parish administration) responsible for finances, property, and day-to-day affairs. The priest provides spiritual leadership and pastoral oversight, while administrative duties may be shared with a pastor or administrator in larger or overlapping parishes.

Functions and activities of a parish include liturgy and sacraments, catechesis and religious education, youth and family programs, charity and social services, and the organization of cultural or community events. Parishes maintain their church property and support various parish groups such as choirs, volunteer committees, and charitable initiatives.

Modern developments in many regions have led to the formation of Pfarrgemeinschaften, Pfarrverbände or other forms of parish cooperation, in which several Pfarreien share resources and administration while preserving local worship and identity. The concept of the parish remains central to local church life, even as diocesan structures adapt to changing demographics and ecclesial needs.

Historically, the term Pfarrei derives from Latin parochia and Greek parochion, reflecting its function as the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of a pastor within a diocese.