plébános

Plébános is the title used for the priest who has canonical responsibility for a Catholic parish. The term derives from Latin plebanus, meaning parish priest, and in Hungarian usage it denotes the priest in charge of a parish, acting as the primary shepherd and administrator of that community.

Role and duties: The plébános is ordinarily appointed by the diocesan bishop and exercises pastoral, liturgical, and administrative governance of the parish. His responsibilities include celebrating Mass and the sacraments, providing pastoral care and spiritual guidance, preaching and catechesis, and organizing religious education and youth ministry. He oversees parish staff and volunteers, manages finances, property, and records, and coordinates with the parish council, other parish groups, and the diocese to implement diocesan programs at the local level.

Residence and authority: Canon law generally requires the plébános to reside in the parish and to exercise his mission there, within the framework of diocesan policy. He can be transferred, appointed to new duties, or relieved of office by the bishop.

Relation to the broader church: The plébános is a member of the diocesan clergy and operates within the structures of the diocese, distinct from priests of religious orders and from bishops. In different languages and rites the office may be referred to by related terms, and practices surrounding appointment, tenure, and rights can vary by country and jurisdiction. In Hungarian usage, plural form is plébánosok.