Abstract

The article discusses the concept of vita communis of the lay clergy of the diocese of Czestochowa, based on an analysis of the debates held during the deanery conferences in 1938-1939. The deanery conferences in Radomsko, Gidlach, Sosnowiec, Dabrowa Górnicza, and Rozprza were important forums for discussing the communal life of the priesthood based on the resolutions of the frst Polish plenary synod. The analysis of archival documentation illustrates great involvement of the clergy in the implementation of vita communis and a variety of topics covered, highlighting the relationship between vicars and parish priests and their mutual cooperation. The papers, presented by distinguished speakers, emphasised the benefts of organising joint meetings of priests as key elements for the spiritual and social development of parish communities. The deanery sessions indicate the relevance of the communal life of diocesan clergy. An analysis of the speeches at the deanery conferences reveals key issues of integration and cooperation among clergy. This paper discusses the importance of these issues in the context of the spiritual and social development of the parish community. The added value of the article is a comprehensive description of the implementation of the reception of the decrees of the frst Polish plenary synod.