parish
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parish
The official district and congregation of a parish priest, especially in the Catholic Church. It includes both the area and the community of believers.
Unsere Pfarrei organisiert jedes Jahr ein großes Sommerfest für alle Gemeindemitglieder.
Our parish organizes a large summer festival for all parish members every year.
parish office
The residence and official building of a parish priest; the rectory.
Für dringende Anliegen können Sie den Pfarrer in der Pfarrei antreffen.
For urgent matters, you can find the priest at the parish office.
The word 'Pfarrei' (parish) is closely connected to 'der Pfarrer' (priest/pastor). The parish is the official district or congregation for which a priest is responsible.
Der neue Pfarrer wurde der Pfarrei feierlich vorgestellt.
The new priest was formally introduced to the parish.
This term is used almost exclusively in the context of the Catholic Church to refer to a church community and its area.
Er ist in einer kleinen katholischen Pfarrei auf dem Land aufgewachsen.
He grew up in a small Catholic parish in the countryside.
Common phrases are 'zu einer Pfarrei gehören' (to belong to a parish), 'in der Pfarrei aktiv sein' (to be active in the parish), or saying that a priest 'eine Pfarrei leitet' (leads/runs a parish).
Viele Freiwillige sind in unserer Pfarrei aktiv.
Many volunteers are active in our parish.
The meaning 'Pfarrhaus' (rectory/parish house) is less common. It is used when referring to the priest's office or official residence as a place.
Die Dokumente können Sie morgen in der Pfarrei abholen.
You can pick up the documents tomorrow at the parish office.
municipality / community
In a church context, Gemeinde primarily refers to the local community of believers. Pfarrei can also refer to these believers, but it additionally includes a parish priest’s official district and is particularly associated with the Catholic Church. Use Gemeinde for the people and Pfarrei for the organized unit.
Die Pfarrei umfasst drei Orte und wird von einem Pfarrer betreut.
The parish covers three towns and is served by a parish priest.
Die Gemeinde versammelt sich am Sonntag zur Messe.
The congregation gathers for Mass on Sunday.
