Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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TRUSTEE SYSTEM

The method used to administer diocesan property, temporalities, and parishes. A bishop usually chooses a group of responsible person who, together with an ecclesiastical superior, form an administrative council to manage and direct possessions, property, and finances. They must account periodically for their stewardship and can in no way infringe upon the spiritual administration of the parish or diocese. The Holy See has approved their establishment, stating that the vesting of church property in a duly chosen board of trustees is a permissible procedure. what the Church forbids is to have only laymen serve as trustees, without dependence on the bishop of a diocese or pastor of a parish.