THE BISHOP’S STAFF 1 The first collaborators of the bishop are the priests and religious of the Diocese who share, above all, in the pastoral work of the Bishop of teaching, leading and sanctifying. The main offices of the diocesan Pastoral Center comprise the Bishop’s staff (see appendix) and assist the Bishop in the government and administration of the Diocese. When there are questions that involve issues under the supervision of those directors described below, they can be contacted directly. Vicar General/Moderator of the Curia The Vicar General/Moderator of the Curia shares in the faculties of the bishop. In the Bishop’s absence, he administers the Diocese. He is ex-officio member of the Consultors. The Vicar General/Moderator of the Curia is also in charge of priestly concerns, the Office of the Propagation of the Faith, and supervises the efforts of the Safe Environment Coordinator and the Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese of Fresno. The Vicar General/Moderator of the Curia may be contacted at the Pastoral Center. The Vicar General oversees the care of immigration matters for priests and religious. Chancellor/Director of Communications The Chancellor assists the bishop and oversees the archives department of the Diocese. The Chancellor is the Director of Communications for the Diocese, and in this role is a spokesperson for the bishop. (See Communications Director, page 8). The Chancellor is in charge of receiving complaints from the laity. The Chancellor also acts as the recording secretary of the Priests’ Council and Cabinet and is responsible for sending the agenda and minutes. The Chancellor conducts the elections for the Vicars Forane, Personnel Board, and Priests’ Council. Bishop’s Executive Assistant The bishop’s Executive Assistant keeps the calendar of the bishop’s appointments and should be contacted by anyone wishing to see the bishop or to request the bishop’s attendance at functions. Priests may make an appointment at any time the bishop is available. Laypeople, when appropriate, are asked to put in writing the concern they wish to bring to the bishop before setting an appointment. Vicar for Priests

Under the spiritual and administrative direction of the Bishop and Vicar General, the Vicar for Priests functions as spiritual liaison for the priests of the diocese with regards to their spiritual growth, personal and pastoral development, execution of their pastoral responsibilities, and their overall well-being as priests; and performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Bishop or Vicar General.

The Vicar for Priests serves as an ex-officio member of the Priests’ Council and as chairman of the Priestly Life Committee.

1 Issued January 2001 Episcopal Delegate for Women Religious

The Episcopal Delegate for Women Religious serves as liaison between the bishop and the women religious in the diocese. She carries out the bishop’s pastoral concerns regarding them. All questions regarding women religious should be addressed to the Episcopal Delegate for Women Religious, particularly prior to the hiring or dismissal of a religious. The Episcopal Delegate for Women Religious interviews and maintains contact with women who express interest in pursuing a vocation to religious life.