An account of the secular clergy naturally begins with the
parish priest, who had charge of a parish, the smallest division of
Christendom. No one could act as a priest without the approval of the bishop,
but the nobleman who supported the parish had the privilege of nominating candidates
for the position. The priest derived his income from lands belonging to the
parish, from tithes, [17] and from voluntary contributions, but as a rule he
received little more than a bare living. The parish priest was the only Church
officer who came continually into touch with the common people. He baptized,
married, and buried his parishioners. For them he celebrated Mass at least once
a week, heard confessions, and granted absolution. He watched over all their
deeds on earth and prepared them for the life to come. And if he preached
little, he seldom failed to set in his own person an example of right living.
[17] The tithe was a tenth part of the yearly income from
land, stock, and personal industry.
THE PARISH CHURCH
The church, with its spire which could be seen afar off
and its bells which called the faithful to worship, formed the social center of
the parish. Here on Sundays and holy days the people assembled for the morning
and evening services. During the interval between religious exercises they
often enjoyed games and other amusements in the adjoining churchyard. As a
place of public gathering the parish church held an important place in the life
of the Middle Ages.
