farnost

Farnost is the basic territorial unit of the Catholic Church in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, a community of the faithful within a defined area that is served by a parish priest (farář) and centered on one parish church, though some farnosti administer more than one church or chapel. The boundaries of a farnost are determined by the diocesan authority and typically align with civil municipalities.

Within a farnost, pastoral care is organized through liturgical worship, the administration of the sacraments (baptism, Eucharist, confirmation, reconciliation, marriage, anointing of the sick), religious education for children and adults, catechesis, and various social and charitable activities. A parish may maintain schools, choirs, and outreach programs.

Farnosts are part of a diocese and grouped into deaneries; governance normally includes a parish priest, often assisted by a parish administrator and a parish council (farní rada) and a finance committee, which manage property, finances, and local pastoral plans. In case of vacancy, the diocesan authority appoints an administrator.

Historically, farnosti emerged in the Middle Ages as the primary local unit for worship, pastoral care, and record keeping, often serving as the center of local community life. Their activities were closely tied to civil administration and education, and they experienced changes through reforms in church doctrine and practice.

Today the term farnost is used chiefly in the Catholic context of the Czech Republic and Slovakia to denote a parish; other denominations may have analogous local communities, but the concept and terminology vary by church tradition.