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When priest assignments are announced each year, many wonder how long a priest can stay in a single parish.
The Code of Canon Law favors the stability of a parish pastor, making it a law that pastors are to be assigned for an "indeterminate" amount of time.
In 1984, the USCCB made a complementary decree that limited a pastor's initial assignment to six years.
Sometimes a bishop will transfer a pastor before his six year term is completed. This can be for various reasons and is permitted under Canon Law.
Term limits are seen as a means of limiting the development of an unhealthy cult that can surround popular priests, while others would argue that a term limit does not allow a priest to become familiar with his flock, forcing him to move every few years.
Whatever the case may be, it is up to the local bishop and the pastoral needs of each diocese.
