PARISH COOKS ARE NOT PART OF THE CLERGY, NOR ARE THEY PERSONAL ADVISERS TO THE PRIESTS

PARISH COOKS ARE NOT PART OF THE CLERGY, NOR ARE THEY PERSONAL ADVISERS TO THE PRIESTS

BY: Fr. Chidubem Okoye

The parish cook is employed to ensure that priests and seminarians have something to eat daily. This role is essential but must be properly understood, the cook is not in charge of the parish house. The parish house is the private residence of the clergy, and while the cook works there, their role is strictly to provide meals, not to assume authority over the house or its residents.

ALSO RECOMMENDED: OTHER ARTICLES, NEWS AND HOMILIES 

In some parishes, however, certain cooks have gone beyond their duties, treating seminarians with disrespect, insulting them, and even reporting them unfairly to the parish priest. Some seminarians have suffered serious consequences, including expulsion from formation, due to false or exaggerated complaints from parish cooks. This abuse of position is unjust and harmful, not only to the seminarians but also to the Church’s future.

Even priests are not exempt from such disrespect. Some cooks behave as if the priests are under their authority, speaking to them rudely and failing to recognize the dignity of their vocation. This is unacceptable. The parish house is a home for the clergy, and those employed there must maintain a spirit of humility and service, not domination.

The consequences of such attitudes extend beyond the parish house. Many parishioners have stopped participating in church activities because of the behavior of some cooks, who act rudely even to altar servers and other members of the parish community. This does nothing but create division and drive people away from the Church.

The parish cook’s role is a noble one when done with humility and respect. But when it is abused, it creates disorder in the parish house and the larger community. Let us be clear: no cook has authority over the priests, seminarians, or the parish itself. They are employees, not decision-makers. Their work should be done with love, respect, and understanding, ensuring that the parish remains a place of peace and unity.

At the same time, priests must also be mindful of how they relate with their cooks. Cooks are not part of the clergy, nor are they personal advisers, and they should never influence how a priest relates with his brother priest in the parish rectory. Maintaining proper boundaries is essential to ensuring harmony in the parish house and upholding the dignity of the priesthood.

God bless you!

FOR A SIMILAR ARTICLES, NEWS AND HOMILIES , CLICK HERE >>>>>

Dear friends in Christ, Your support for the past 12years has kept us going. We ask you to support us with your donations to enable us to upset our “annual bills”. Our priests are willing to offer Holy Masses for your Private Intentions. May you Click on “Next”, or the “Donate” button to get started. God bless you!!!