I. Purpose
Establish and define the role and responsibilities of Regional Vicars and Regional Vicariates in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
II. Definitions
Regional Vicar: An experienced pastor who is selected and appointed by the Archbishop, for a term of three years, in addition to his parish assignment(s). A Regional Vicar serves in his appointed geographic area.
Regional Vicariate: A grouping of neighboring geographic Deaneries, gathered so that each Deanery belongs to either Region 1 (Northeast), Region 2 (South) and Region 3 (Northwest).
III. Policy
The regional vicariate structure was established as a way for all parishes in the Archdiocese to be organized in governance, programming, and financial administration. Regional Vicars help foster communication between the Archbishop and the clergy and parishes within the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
Regional Vicars are to live within the boundaries of the Regional Vicariate. Regional Vicars will be involved in the life of the various parishes, schools, and institutions within their region or area of responsibility. The Regional Vicar may be consulted by the Comprehensive Assignment Board regarding clergy appointments within their Regional Vicariate.
A primary responsibility of the Regional Vicar is to conduct canonical parish visitations within their respective vicariates (c. 396 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law). The Regional Vicars also serve on the Archbishop’s Council and carry out any other canonical and administrative responsibilities delegated to them by the Archbishop. The Regional Vicar assists the Archbishop in his administrative function by helping to ensure that parishes are in compliance with Archdiocesan policies.
Regional Vicars are to facilitate communication among the Deans of the Regional Vicariate, as well as facilitate regional programming for parishes.
Attached to this policy is a map of Regional Vicariate borders.
