Office of the Regional Episcopal Vicars
The Regional Episcopal Vicars provide input and encouragement on Diocesan initiatives and on the requirements of their Vicariate deaneries, while remaining attentive to the need to customize pastoral initiatives to the local environment. They serve as liaisons between the Diocesan Bishop and the Deans, between the Deans and the pastors, and may serve as mediators of issues that need to be resolved at the diocesan, deanery or parish levels.
Together with the Deans and diocesan support personnel, they play an integral role in Diocesan Pastoral Planning as it relates to the reconfiguration of parishes. The Regional Vicars serve as ex-officio members of the Presbyteral Council and serve on the Diocesan Personnel Assignment Board. The Regional Vicars seek to provide reconciliation in intra- and inter-parochial issues. Complaints made to the Bishop are often referred to the Regional Vicars for investigation and appropriate action.
The Regional Vicars provide clergy support both individually and with the annual New Pastors Workshops. They collaborate with the Vicar for Clergy as needed and provide special attention to new pastors and the newly ordained priests. Each Regional Vicar may also be also pastor of a parish.
