315 – Priestly Residence – Archdiocese Policy

Last Updated: 9/13/2016

I. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to clarify who is allowed to reside in the Parish provided housing and advise that the Parish Board of Trustees must approve long term residents.

II. Definitions

“Parish Rectory” shall mean the parish-owned or parish-rented residence designated for occupancy by the pastor or other priests.

“Parish” shall mean the ecclesiastical community of the faithful that is established as a juridic person under the authority of the Archbishop, and that is incorporated as a church corporation under MN Statute §315.15.

“Long-term residents” shall mean residents whose stay at the rectory exceeds two weeks.

III. Policy

  1. Generally, priests, transitional deacons, and seminarians assigned to parochial ministry are to reside in a Parish Rectory. Priests, transitional deacons, and seminarians assigned to non-parochial ministry within the Archdiocese are to reside in the institutional housing provided, or at a Parish Rectory as directed by the Archbishop, unless some other provision has been made and approved by the Archbishop or the Rector of the Seminary (see Alternate Residence Policy).
  2. A priest, transitional deacon, or seminarian may propose an alternative housing arrangement. If alternative housing is approved, pursuant to section 1, he accepts that the provisions of this policy apply to his alternative housing just as they would apply to a Parish Rectory or institutional housing.
  3. Clerics who permit long-term residents to stay in a Parish Rectory must notify the Parish Board of Trustees in writing.[1]
  4. Priests may not permit any person to reside or stay overnight at a Parish Rectory or institutional housing if to do so would have the appearance of, or give rise to, scandal under Canon Law.[2]
  5. Minors, unless they are relatives of one of the assigned residents, are not permitted to stay overnight in a Parish Rectory or institutional housing.  Minors may never share the same sleeping room with a priest, transitional deacon or seminarian.
  6. Retired priests may reside at the Byrne Residence, in a Parish Rectory or institutional housing, or in housing they arrange. This policy applies to all of those living arrangements.
  7. Priest residents in a Parish Rectory or institutional housing are encouraged to make an inventory of any personal property of value and have this inventory on file at the Chancery. This will facilitate a claim in the event of any loss or destruction of personal property.
  8. Priest residents are responsible for paying their share for damage caused by themselves, their pets and visitors.

[1] See Settlement Agreement dated December 12, 2015 between the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and Ramsey County Attorney. Ramsey County District Court File No.: 62-JV-15-1674; County Attorney File No.: 2138749.

[2] See 1983 Code of Canon Law, Canon 277.