Effective Date: 9/8/2026
Purpose
To 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
I. SCOPE
1) The office of Deanis a pastoral responsibility. Within the Deanery, the main duty of the Dean is to convene those who minister in the Deanery in order to make Jesus known and loved through our Parishes, schools and institutions. In addition to his close working relationship with the priests, the Dean also maintains communication with the deacons, religious, and laity who minister within the Deanery.
2) The Dean represents the concerns of the priests, deacons, and other pastoral ministers to the Archbishop and Vicar General, and regularly works with other Clergy of his Deanery and other Deans to help develop a spirit of collaboration, unity and mutual support. In fulfilling this responsibility, the Dean does not interfere with the unique relationship which exists between the Archbishop and Clergy, as well as religious and laity, but instead enhances the relationship as part of his pastoral care.
II. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEAN
1) The Dean represents his Deanery as an ex-officio member of the Presbyteral Council. Terms of appointment are governed by the Constitution and Bylaws of the Presbyteral Council. Working within the Council, the Dean is to advise the Archbishop on issues of governance and take an active part in the process of consultation within the Archdiocese. The Dean is also to consult the priests of the Deanery on topics requested by the Archbishop.
2) The Dean holds regular meetings with the priests of the Deanery. Deanery meetings shall occur following each monthly Presbyteral Council meeting, providing for regular communication and consultation between the Archbishop and priests.
3) It is expected that each priest regularly participate in the meetings of his assigned Deanery, notwithstanding unexpected pastoral needs that can arise from time-to-time. In the event of frequent absences by a priest from Deanery meetings, the Dean will check on the well-being of his brother and encourage his participation in the Deanery.
4) The Dean encourages community building among the priest and deacons of the Deanery, and manifests particular concern for Clergy with demanding assignments, who are in poor health, or face other challenges. The Dean is to foster regular communication with the priests and deacons assigned in his Deanery as a proactive measure to become aware of any situations that may require attention for the Cleric or the Parish.
5) The Dean will inform the Vicar General as soon as practicable after he learns of the illness or hospitalization of priests or deacons from his Deanery. The Vicar will inform the Archbishop and other relevant parties. The Dean should inform the Vicar and keep the Archbishop and Chancery up to date on key events or developments in the Deanery including important personal matters relating to Clergy such as the death of a family member of a Deanery priest or deacon.
6) The Dean will inform the Vicar General of significant developments or changes in the Parishes of their Deanery related to their vitality.
7) The Dean will initiate ongoing dialogue among Clergy as it relates to collaboration among parishes and to strategic and long-term planning for the Deanery. The Dean will also have responsibility for leading, with the assistance of the Archdiocese, comprehensive Renewal of Structures discussions in the Deanery.
8) During the time of appointment as Dean, Deans are granted the faculty to preside over the installation of pastors in the Deanery which they serve (can. 527 §2).
III. OTHER POSSIBLE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEAN
1) The Dean may be requested to serve as a temporary parochial administrator of a Parish in the event a pastor in his Deanery is on sabbatical or a leave of absence, or if a Parish is otherwise vacant.
2) The Dean may be consulted by the Director of Clergy Personnel concerning the appointment and transfer of pastors and other Clergy within his Deanery.
3) The Dean, upon written request of the Archbishop, may represent him at civic and religious functions.
