317 - Decanos - Función y responsabilidad

Last Reviewed: 3/21/2025

Propósito

Establish and define the role and responsibilities of Deans in the Archdiocese, and their role in service to both the Archbishop and ministers of their geographic area.

Policy

The office of Decano is a pastoral responsibility. Within the Decanato the main duty of the Decano is to convene those who minister in the Decanato in order to strengthen the faith life of our Parroquias and institutions. In addition to his close working relationship with the priests, the Decano also maintains communication with the deacons, religious, and laity who minister within the Decanato.

En Decano represents the concerns of the priests, deacons, and other pastoral ministers to the Vicario General, and regularly works with other Deans of the Vicariate and Regional Vicars to help develop a spirit of collaboration and mutual support. In fulfilling this responsibility, the Decano does not interfere with the unique relationship which exists between the Arzobispo y Clero, as well as religious and laity, but instead enhances the relationship as part of his pastoral care.

I. Responsibilities of the Dean

1. En Decano represents his Decanato as an ex-officio member of the Consejo Presbiteral. Terms of appointment are governed by the Constitution and Bylaws of the Consejo Presbiteral. Working within the Council, the Decano is to advise the Arzobispo on issues of governance and take an active part in the process of consultation within the Archidiócesis.
2. En Decano holds regular meetings with the priests of the Decanato.
3. En Decano may be requested to serve as a temporary parochial administrator of a Parroquia in the event a pastor in his Decanato is on sabbatical or a leave of absence, or if a Parroquia is otherwise vacant.
4. En Decano cultivates a close working relationship with lay leaders and lay movements within his Decanato and promotes Archdiocesan safe environment standards in all ministerial environments.
5. En Decano encourages community building among the priest and deacons of the Decanato, and manifests particular concern for Clero with demanding assignments, who are in poor health, or face other challenges. The Decano is to foster regular communication with the priests and deacons assigned in his Decanato as a proactive measure to become aware of any situations that may require attention for the cleric or the Parroquia.
6. En Decano will inform the Vicario General of the illness or hospitalization of priests or deacons from his Decanato. The Vicar will inform the Arzobispo and other relevant parties. The Decano should inform the Vicar and keep the Arzobispo and Chancery up to date on key events or developments in the Decanato including important personal matters relating to Clero such as the death of a family member of a Decanato priest or deacon.
7. En Decano will inform the Vicario General of developments in the Parroquias of their Decanato and initiate ongoing dialogue among Clero as it relates to strategic and long-term planning for the Decanato.
8. When appropriate, the Decano is consulted by the Director of Clergy Personnel concerning the appointment and transfer of pastors and other Clero within his Decanato.
9. During the time of appointment as Decano, Deans are granted the faculty to preside over the installation of pastors in the Decanato which they serve (c. 527 §2).
10. En Decano closely associates himself with the Vocation Office and the Institute for Ongoing Clergy Formation to promote priestly and religious vocations, and to foster retreats, theological meetings and conferences, and programs for professional growth and development of Clero in the Decanato.
11. En Decano, upon request of the Arzobispo, will represent him at civic and religious functions.