Detroit — When a beloved parish priest is transferred to a new assignment, or when a new priest comes in to replace him, the first question that often arises for parishioners is: “Why?”

While the assignment process for diocesan priests might appear mysterious at first, in reality, it’s just another aspect of serving the community of the faithful.

“Toward the end of each year, every priest receives a survey asking if they wish to remain in their current assignment, move to another parish assignment or request special ministry, such as hospital or military chaplaincy,” said Msgr. Timothy Hogan, vicar of clergy and consecrated life for the Archdiocese of Detroit.

A clergy assignment board, consisting of six archdiocesan priests of various ages and positions, collects the survey information and begins work to discern assignment plans. Msgr. Hogan added that other instances, such as emergencies from illness or the death of the priest, might cause the assignment board to meet at other times during the year.

Through the survey, the assignment board learns which parishes are open for a change in pastor or associate pastor, which typically take effect in July the following year. In addition to the survey, other factors can affect the list, such as a priest coming to the end of his assignment term at a parish, Msgr. Hogan explained.

The parish openings “are sent to the priests and they will have a chance to discern for themselves and apply for the parish,” said Msgr. Hogan. “The role of the assignment board is to further discern and make the recommendation to the archbishop.”

If Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron approves the recommendation, the priest is notified of the new assignment by Msgr. Robert McClory, archdiocesan moderator of the curia.

“If the priest accepts the assignment, the board moves on until all assignments are completed,” said Msgr. Hogan. “The new assignment takes place on July 1 of that year.”

Fr. Joseph Esper, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Ira Township, moved from his former parish, St. Edward on the Lake, in 2012.

Fr. Esper recommended that as soon as a priest’s new assignment is announced, “it would be a good idea to visit the parish, to set aside some time to meet with the pastor to get his advice and perspective on things, as far as the parish’s unique features, opportunities, challenges, strengths and weaknesses.”

“He should also meet with the parish staff, and, if there’s a school, it would be a very good idea to spend an afternoon visiting all the classrooms and introducing himself,” Fr. Esper said.

Fr. Esper also recommended arranging to receive a copy of the parish bulletin up until the actual move, and also visit the parish’s website, “learning as much about the parish as possible.”

He said if the priest has made friends with many people within his current parish, there are ways to keep in touch.

“If special events in the life of the parish, such as a major anniversary or parish celebration, he may very well be invited back for those events,” said Fr. Esper.

He said staying in touch with friends in his former parish hasn’t been too difficult, since St. Edward is in the same vicariate, be he also keeps up with news and events at his former parish.

Additionally, the “informal grapevine” of people who know parishioners at the other parish can be a gift: “There might be family members or friends and they will pass along word that ‘You’ve got a new pastor coming, this is what he’s like,’” Fr. Esper said.

Msgr. Russell Kohler, pastor of Most Holy Trinity Parish, Detroit, and Ste. Anne de Detroit Parish was given the latter pastoral role in 2012.

Msgr. Kohler said growing together with one’s current parish is essential: “I think a lot of frustration is eliminated when you’re on common ground.”

He began serving his first parish, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Grotto) Parish in Detroit, after his 1973 ordination.

During the 1970s upheaval in Detroit, he witnessed the deaths of numerous young people from drugs and violence.

He said he was not prepared for that “shock and grief among the families,” but helped coordinate a special liturgy once a month at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, tailored for bereaved parents.

The Masses caught nationwide attention, and many other pastors were encouraged to hold similar services for parishioners.

Fr. Esper echoed this, that it is important for a new pastor “to accept his new parish on its own terms, without coming in with preconceived ideas or holding his previous assignments as the ideal — and trying to make the new one conform to it.”

“He should be careful not to impose his own desires on the parish,” Fr. Esper said. “Rather, he should give it a chance, just as he wants his new parishioners to give him a chance.”