pastoors

Pastoors is the plural form of the Dutch noun pastoor, a term used in Dutch-speaking contexts to refer to a Catholic parish priest. The word comes from the Latin pastor, meaning shepherd, and in Christian usage denotes clergy who shepherd a local flock within a diocese. In non-Dutch languages, the plural form and the exact title differ; for example, English uses pastors for Protestant ministers, and Dutch-speaking Protestants often use predikant or dominee. As a result, pastoors are most commonly encountered in the Catholic tradition within the Netherlands and Flemish-speaking Belgium.

In the Catholic Church, a pastoor typically serves a parish, a geographic district overseen by a bishop. The pastoor is responsible for the spiritual leadership of the parish, the celebration of the sacraments, and the pastoral care of parishioners. Duties commonly include presiding at Mass, hearing confessions, administering baptism and marriage, anointing the sick, and coordinating liturgical activities, catechesis, and charitable outreach. The pastoor may also supervise parish staff, manage finances, and represent the parish within the diocesan structure.

Training and ordination for a pastoor involve formal theological study, seminary formation, and ordination by a bishop. Candidates are typically incardinated to a diocese and assigned to a parish after ordination. The role and responsibilities of a pastoor are distinct from those of Protestant pastors, whose titles and organizational structures reflect different church traditions.