The Archbishop relies on consultative bodies – consisting of both clergy and lay Catholics – to assist him with the governance of the Archdiocese. These women and men generously give of their time and share their expertise in many areas.
Archdiocesan Board of Directors and Archdiocesan Finance Council
The Archdiocesan board of directors is selected by the five members of the Archdiocesan Corporation (Archbishop, Vicar General, Chancellor, and two lay members). The board of directors has the authority and responsibility for transacting all of the business of the civil corporation, which includes managing all of the temporal affairs of the Archdiocese as a Minnesota diocesan corporation. The board of directors also provides advice and consultation to the Archbishop and archdiocesan leadership on matters affecting the local Church.
The Archdiocesan Finance Council is a diocesan body mandated by canon law that is charged with preparing the annual diocesan budget and annually reviewing diocesan expenses and revenues. The finance council must be consulted for financial transactions of a given dollar level undertaken by the diocese or parishes and must give its consent to transactions at another dollar threshold. The threshold amounts are set by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and are subject to approval by the Holy See.
Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda
Archbishop of the Archdiocese
777 Forest Street
St. Paul, MN 55106
Bishop Michael Izen
Vicar General
Bishop Kevin Kenney
Vicar General
Paul Chestovich
Honorable Christopher Dietzen
Angela Dosedel
Barbara Haley, Vice Chair
Julie Hurley
Susan V. Kleven, Esq.
Peter Scherer
Chris Schneeman
Kelene Skrypek, Chair
Deacon Phillip Stewart
Reverend John L. Ubel
Steven Willems
College of Consultors
The College of Consultors is a diocesan body of priests required by canon law. It serves to advise the Archbishop on major decisions and must give its consent on major financial transactions. The College of Consultors has a particular role in the governance of the diocese during a vacant see, or when there is no archbishop appointed.
Comprehensive Assignment Board
The Assignment Board serves the Archbishop in making recommendations for various clergy roles which includes pastors, priests, deacons, temporary pastors, chaplains in High Schools, prisons, organizations, mentors for newly ordained and various other leadership roles.
To facilitate clergy personnel recommendations, the needs of the parish or institution is of outmost importance. This process involves as much consultation as possible with a variety of individuals depending on the various needs of the parish or institution.
Recommendations for assignments are provided to the Archbishop for his discernment and decision. Only the Archbishop can assign clergy or remove clergy from assignments.
Deaneries, Deans and Presbyteral Council
Each parish in the archdiocese is assigned to one of 15 geographical groupings called a deanery. After a year’s worth of work and consultation, Archbishop Hebda signed a decree that takes effect on July 1, 2026 creating a new set of 15 deaneries ranging in size from nine to 19 parishes. The new deaneries are also categorized as primarily rural, suburban or urban. Priests in a deanery elect a representative to the Presbyteral Council, which is required by canon law to advise the archbishop on various matters. The deanery priests are also to meet regularly to provide feedback to their representative on matters discussed at the Presbyteral Council, promote collaboration among their parishes, share best practices, and provide one another with fraternal support. In coming years, plans will be developed within deaneries to more effectively utilize resources to fulfill the Church’s mission of making Jesus known and loved. See a listing of deaneries and assigned parishes.
