parochus

Parochus is a Latin term that designates the priest in charge of a parish in the Christian church, especially within the Latin Church and in historical canonical writing. In modern canon law, parochus remains the official title for the priest who has canonical charge of a parish and presides over its spiritual and administrative life.

Etymology traces parochus to the Greek paroikos, via Latin parochus, with related forms such as parochia or paroikia giving rise to the English word parish. The English parish derives from Old French paroisse, itself from the same Latin-Greek lineage. The word reflects the concept of a local district or community under a pastor.

Role and duties associated with the parochus include celebrating the sacraments (such as Mass, baptism, and reconciliation), preaching, providing pastoral care, catechesis, and the administration of parish property and finances. The parochus exercises ordinary governance over the parish and is typically answerable to the diocesan bishop. He may be assisted by curates, vicars, or other parish staff, depending on the jurisdiction and the size of the parish.

Historical and modern usage varies by rite and region. Historically, the parochus was the principal priest of a parish in medieval and early modern Western Christianity. Today, the title remains standard in the Latin Church’s canon law, though everyday language often uses pastor or parish priest. In other Christian traditions, analogous offices exist under different names, reflecting local ecclesial organization.

See also: parish, pastor, rector, canon law, parish priest.