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Home , Dean (Christianity)

1. THE STRUCTURE 1.1. The Deanery provides an important two-way line of communication and information between the and the for collaborative efforts and the sharing of best- practices in a radian. The deanery facilitates the convening of priests (, parochial vicars, active, and retired), , and administrators of parishes of the Deanery, at least four times a year, for meetings to discuss and achieve a uniform application of diocesan policies, programs, and broad implementation of the pastoral initiatives of the , as well as uniform observance of the diocesan statues and policy. The deanery structure fosters cooperative endeavors and the sharing of resources between parishes and the Diocese as well as between parishes themselves. 1.2. A direct line of communication is to be maintained between the Presbyteral Council and the local . Each deanery will have an Ex-Officio representative on the Presbyteral Council, who will share information from meetings with the deaneries as well as bring suggestions and concerns to the Presbyteral Council. While each deanery is to meet at least four times a year, some deaneries choose to meet monthly which helps to keep open communication between the Presbyteral Council and the local deaneries. To help inform this conversation, it is important that minutes from the deanery meetings be sent as soon as possible to the Office of the Chancellor for dissemination to Presbyteral Council members. 1.3. There are five deaneries within the Diocese. The Deaneries are divided along county lines, with the exception of Hampden County being split into “East” and “West”. The deaneries are: Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden East and Hampden West. It is recommended that the Franklin and Hampshire deaneries hold joint Deanery meetings. The new deaneries would be broken down as follows: 1.4. Berkshire 1.4.1. St. John Paul II , Adams • with St. Stanislaus Kostka Mission, Adams 1.4.2. St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Cheshire • with North American Martyrs Chapel, Lanesborough 1.4.3. St. Agnes Parish, Dalton • with St. Patrick Chapel, Hinsdale 1.4.4. St. Peter Parish, Great Barrington 1.4.5. St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Housatonic 1.4.6. St. Mary Mother of the Parish, Lee • with St. Mary of the Lakes Mission, Otis • and St. Joseph Mission, Stockbridge 1.4.7. St. Ann Parish, Lenox 1.4.8. St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Lenox Dale 1.4.9. St. Elizabeth of Hungary, North Adams 1.4.10. Sacred Heart Parish, Pittsfield 1.4.11. St. Charles Parish, Pittsfield

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1.4.12. St. Joseph Parish, Pittsfield 1.4.13. St. Mark Parish, Pittsfield 1.4.14. Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Sheffield • with Our Lady of the Hills Mission, Monterey 1.4.15. and St. Patrick Parish, West Stockbridge 1.4.16. St. Patrick and Raphael Parish, Williamstown

1.5. Franklin 1.5.1. Blessed Sacrament Parish, Greenfield 1.5.2. Holy Trinity Parish, Greenfield 1.5.3. St. Patrick Parish, Northfield 1.5.4. St. Mary Parish, Orange 1.5.5. St. Joseph Parish, Shelburne Falls • with St. Christopher Mission, Charlemont • and St. John the Baptist Mission, Colrain 1.5.6. Holy Family Parish, South Deerfield • with St. Mark Mission, Conway 1.5.7. Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, Turners Falls 1.5.8. Our Lady of Peace Parish, Turners Falls

1.6. Hampshire 1.6.1. Newman Center, Amherst 1.6.2. St. Brigid Parish, Amherst 1.6.3. St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Belchertown 1.6.4. Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Easthampton 1.6.5. Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Granby 1.6.6. Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Hadley 1.6.7. Our Lady of Grace Parish, Hatfield 1.6.8. Our Lady of the Hills Parish, Haydenville 1.6.9. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Northampton 1.6.10. St. Patrick Parish, South Hadley 1.6.11. St. Theresa of Lisieux Parish, South Hadley 1.6.12. All Parish, Ware 1.6.13. St. Mary Parish, Ware

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1.7. Hampden East 1.7.1. St. Christopher Parish, Brimfield 1.7.2. Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Chicopee 1.7.3. St. Anne Parish, Chicopee 1.7.4. St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Chicopee 1.7.5. St. Rose de Lima Parish, Chicopee 1.7.6. St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Basilica, Chicopee 1.7.7. St. Michael Parish, East Longmeadow 1.7.8. St. Mary Parish, Hampden 1.7.9. Immaculate Conception Parish, Indian Orchard 1.7.10. St. Mary’s Parish, Longmeadow 1.7.11. Christ the King Parish, Ludlow 1.7.12. Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Ludlow 1.7.13. St. Elizabeth Parish, Ludlow 1.7.14. St. Patrick Parish, Monson 1.7.15. St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Palmer 1.7.16. All Souls Parish, Springfield 1.7.17. Blessed Sacrament Parish, Springfield 1.7.18. Holy Cross Parish, Springfield 1.7.19. Holy Name Parish, Springfield 1.7.20. Mary, Mother of Hope Parish, Springfield 1.7.21. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Springfield 1.7.22. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish, Springfield 1.7.23. Sacred Heart Parish, Springfield 1.7.24. St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Springfield 1.7.25. St. Michael’s Parish, Springfield • St. Francis Chapel, Springfield 1.7.26. St. Patrick Parish, Springfield 1.7.27. St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Springfield 1.7.28. Divine Mercy Parish, Three Rivers 1.7.29. St. Cecilia Parish, Wilbraham

1.8. Hampden West 1.8.1. St. John the Evangelist Parish, Agawam

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1.8.2. Sacred Heart Parish, Feeding Hills 1.8.3. Blessed Sacrament, Holyoke 1.8.4. Our Lady of the Cross, Holyoke 1.8.5. Immaculate Conception Parish, Holyoke 1.8.6. Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Holyoke 1.8.7. St. Jerome Parish, Holyoke 1.8.8. Holy Family Parish, Russell 1.8.9. Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Southwick 1.8.10. St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, West Springfield 1.8.11. Holy Trinity Parish, Westfield 1.8.12. Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Westfield 1.8.13. St. Mary Parish, Westfield 1.8.14. St. Peter and St. Casimir Parish, Westfield

2. THE DEAN 2.1. The Dean is the Bishop’s special representative within the deanery. 2.2. The office of Dean is to be exercised in accordance with the prescriptions of Law [Canon 553-555]. 2.3. The Dean’s role is primarily pastoral, being an extension of the Bishop’s pastoral role as shepherd in a particular area of the diocese known as a Deanery, promoting and sustaining the mission and ministry of the local church as envisioned by the Second Vatican Council, embracing , religious and lay people alike. 2.4. Furthermore, the Dean is the Bishop’s personal representative in the Deanery and acts in this capacity when the necessary authority is delegated to him by the Bishop for carrying out the duties set forth in this document. 2.5. The Dean is also a vital channel of communication between the Bishop and the priests, deacons and people of his Deanery. This implies a two-way flow of information and communication: 2.6. The Bishop relies on the Dean to implement, at Deanery level, all major diocesan decisions, policies and recommendations. 2.7. Working in concert with the Bishop, the Dean has the obligation to share with him any concerns that he may have about the common good of all the People of God in the Diocese. 2.8. He must also represent to the Bishop the views of priests, deacons, religious and people under his pastoral care as the Dean. 2.9. The establishment of good communication, and the care for appropriate confidentiality, must be priorities for the good working of the Deaneries and the Diocese as a whole.

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3. THE APPOINTMENT OF THE DEAN 3.1. Any or Administrator in the Deanery is eligible for this office. 3.2. The Bishop will invite nominations from all the priests of the Deanery (both active and retired) before appointing a Dean. 3.2.1. The priests of the Deanery should nominate a man who has their confidence and support: to initiate, promote and co-ordinate, together with priests, laity and religious, the projects and activities which will develop and realize the potential of the Deanery. 3.2.2. Who has leadership ability and good communication skills. 3.2.3. Who will have a special care for the priests and deacons within the Deanery. 3.2.4. Who can work collaboratively and effectively with the Bishop, priests, the deacons, religious, and laity – all for the good of the Church. 3.3. The Dean is appointed for a period of three years. A Dean may also be reappointed for a second three-year term, but then is ineligible for a third consecutive term. The Bishop may remove a Dean from office at will 3.4. At the time of his installation, the Dean is to make a profession of faith and oath of fidelity.

4. THE BISHOP AND THE DEAN 4.1. The Bishop will, from time to time, assemble the Deans and Vicars for discussion, consultation, planning, and sharing of best practices. 4.2. When possible, a Dean is to be consulted about appointments to be made in the Deanery and he will be informed when priests are to come to, or leave, the Deanery. 4.3. The Dean may install new pastors, either ceremonially or informally, if the Bishop is unavailable. 4.4. The Dean may be asked to represent the Bishop at public functions or services, e.g. ecumenical meetings or funerals.

5. THE DEAN AND PRIESTS, DEACONS & RELIGIOUS 5.1. The Dean’s role is to lead, counsel and assist all the priests, deacons and religious of the Deanery in their pastoral ministry. 5.2. He should promote priestly fraternity and spirituality, developing a real sense of mutual concern, support and co-operation among all the clergy of his Deanery, encouraging social contacts between them. 5.3. As colleague and friend of all the clergy, secular and religious, they should have recourse to him in case of need or dispute, without prejudice to the right of direct access to the Bishop. 5.4. He should welcome and befriend new parish priests, deacons and religious as they arrive in the Deanery.

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5.5. He should be aware of retired priests & deacons living in the Deanery and should arrange for their involvement in the life of the Deanery, communicating any concerns to the priest in overall charge of the sick and retired clergy. 5.6. His care extends to priests who are sick and makes sure that the Bishop’s Office is informed. If possible, the immediate supply needs should be met by priests within the Deanery – Mass times in the Deanery should be so arranged.

6. THE DEAN AND DEANERY MEETINGS 6.1. The Dean is to ensure that the Deanery meetings take place at least four times a year and follow the norms of the Diocese in its composition, scope and activities. 6.2. The Dean drafts the agenda for meetings, in consultation with the Presbyteral Council and members of the deanery. He facilitates the meeting and appoints someone to take minutes which are then sent as soon as possible to the Office of the Chancellor. In the case of Deanery Meetings which combine two deaneries, the Dean from the host Deanery will draft the agenda, facilitate the meeting and coordinate minutes. 6.3. The agenda should reflect Diocesan and Deanery business, policy and projects. Outside speakers may be invited to participate and the meetings should include an opportunity for those present to socialize and relax together. 6.4. All priests, deacons and administrators of parishes within the Deanery are to be actively encouraged to attend the Deanery meetings so that the dangers of isolation or even alienation may be avoided.

7. THE DEAN AND THE WIDER DEANERY 7.1. The Dean may initiate other means for communication, consultation or discussion between the parishes of the Deanery without prejudice to any future Diocesan guidelines. 7.2. The Dean should also forge good relations with religious communities and institutions which may be established within the Deanery and contributing to the life of the Church.

8. OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEAN 8.1. Developing and encouraging the implementation of the Diocesan and Deanery plans. 8.2. Making a yearly visitation of the parishes in his Deanery to review the registers and books, and making any concerns known to the Bishop. 8.3. While making informal visits to parishes to note general state of repair and decoration of the property. 8.4. Establishing good relations and co-operating with other church and civic leaders. 8.5. Encouraging and monitoring initiatives by lay and religious communities and individuals which may present new opportunities and means of evangelization and growth in the local church and the Diocese. 8.6. Keeping the Bishop informed of initiatives, progress and concerns of a Deanery.

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9. The Dean and the Episcopal Vicar 9.1. The Dean is to look into complaints by priests and lay people, trying as far as possible to resolve cases on the local level. If this is impossible, the Dean will refer the case to the Episcopal Vicar. If need be, he will refer the case to the appropriate Chancery or directly to the Bishop, as the case requires.

10. THE EPISCOPAL VICAR 10.1. “When every the correct governance of a diocese requires it, the can also appoint one or more episcopal vicar(s), namely, those who in a specific part of the diocese or in a certain type of affair or over the faithful of a specific rite or over certain groups or persons possess the same ordinary power which a has by universal law, per the norms of the following canons.” (Canon 476) 10.2. While a Vicar General possesses executive authority in all aspects of diocesan administration not reserved to the Bishop himself, the Episcopal Vicar(s), by virtue of his office, enjoys executive authority solely regarding a specific geographical region, type of activity, or a particular group of persons. 10.3. The Episcopal Vicar(s) area of responsibility and the extent of his authority are established in the appointing him, as are matters which the Bishop reserves to himself. 10.4. The office of Episcopal Vicar is not attached to any particular parish. 10.5. The office of Episcopal Vicar is separate and distinct from the office of Dean. Therefore, no one shall hold both offices simultaneously. 10.6. When the Diocese has no bishop, the office of Episcopal Vicar ceases. 10.7. There are three Vicariates within the Diocese: 10.7.1. Berkshire Vicariate serving the Berkshire Deanery. 10.7.2. Franklin Vicariate serving both Franklin Deanery and Hampshire Deanery. 10.7.3. Hampden Vicariate serving both the Hampden East & Hampden West Deanery.

11. THE APPOINTMENT OF EPISCOPAL VICAR(S) 11.1. The appointment of Episcopal Vicar(s) is at the discretion of the Bishop. The Episcopal Vicar(s) are appointed for a term of three years. An Episcopal Vicar may also be reappointed for a second three-year term, but then is ineligible for a third consecutive term. The Bishop may remove an Episcopal Vicar from office at will. 11.2. The Bishop will invite nominations from all the priests of the deanery (both active and retired) before appointing an Episcopal Vicar. 11.3. Any priest in the Deanery is eligible for this office, who is not less than thirty years of age, knowledgeable in theology and , as well as being recommended by reason of sound doctrine, integrity, prudence and experience in handling matters. (Canon 478) 11.4. The priests of the Deanery should nominate a man who has their confidence and support:

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11.4.1. To initiate, promote and co-ordinate, together with priests, laity and religious, the projects and activities which will develop and realize the potential of the Deanery. 11.4.2. Who has leadership ability and good communication skills. 11.4.3. Who will have a special care for the priests and deacons within the Deanery. 11.4.4. Who can work collaboratively and effectively with the Bishop, brother priests, the deacons, religious, and laity – all for the good of the Church. 11.4.5. At the time of his installation, an Episcopal Vicar is to make a profession of faith and oath of fidelity.

12. THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EPISCOPAL VICAR 12.1. The Episcopal Vicar shall concern himself with the pastoral matters relating to the priests, religious, and faithful entrusted to his care. His duties shall be exercised under the Bishop of Springfield and in proper relation to the Vicar General of the Diocese, the Vicars appointed for special groups or special works by the Bishop and the . 12.2. The Episcopal Vicar shall have as his special responsibility to implement within his Vicariate, in collaboration with the Bishop, the directives of teaching and sanctifying the faithful. 12.3. The Episcopal Vicar shall assist the Bishop in his concern for the life and ministry of the priests and the promotion of the spiritual welfare of all the faithful. He shall readily cooperate with the Bishop in conferring with the priests, individually and in groups. 12.4. The Episcopal Vicar shall meet quarterly with the Dean of his Vicariate, as a representative of the Bishop. It is recommended that he attend as many of the deanery meetings as possible. He shall meet monthly with the Bishop or at the discretion of the Bishop. He shall meet at least once a year with the Bishop, Vicar General, and the other Vicars and Deans of the Diocese. 12.5. The Episcopal Vicar shall have particular concern for the integrity of the parish properties and for the proper maintaining of parish records in his Vicariate. 12.6. Representatives of the Diocesan Offices and agencies within each Vicariate shall keep the Episcopal Vicar informed of their work and afford him every possible measure of cooperation. 12.7. The Episcopal Vicar shall be available to the priests within his Vicariate who may desire his advice or assistance. The Episcopal Vicar shall consult periodically with the Vicars for Clergy regarding the priests in his Vicariate. 12.8. The Episcopal Vicar shall exercise concern for the religious within his Vicariate. 12.9. The Episcopal Vicar shall visit priests in his Vicariate who are seriously ill or incapacitated. He shall be informed immediately when a situation of this kind arises. 12.10. The power to grant the ordinary faculties of the Diocese and to grant dispensations (e.g. for marriage), within the power of the Bishop, is granted to the Episcopal Vicar within his own territory. (Canons 479-480) 12.10.1. The priests of the Diocese shall seek dispensations and faculties for visiting priests in the ordinary manner through the Chancery Office, except in a case of emergency.

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12.10.2. In an emergency case, it shall be an approved procedure to seek dispensations and faculties from the Vicar General or the Episcopal Vicar. 12.10.3. When dispensations and faculties are granted by someone other than Chancery personnel, the priest granting the faculties or dispensations shall be reported as soon as possible to the Chancery Office to permit proper recording. 12.11. The Episcopal Vicar shall have all other powers and faculties granted by the Code of Canon Law and whatever the Bishop wishes to entrust to him.

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