Deanery

A Deanery (also known as a "vicariate forane" or "forane vicariate") refers to a geographical subdivision of a diocese. A diocese is divided into smaller areas known as deaneries. Each deanery is composed of several parishes.

Leadership

Dean

The deanery is headed by a Dean, who might also be called a "Vicar Forane" in some places or "Rural Dean" in others, although the latter is more commonly used in the Anglican tradition. The Dean is usually a priest appointed by the bishop of the diocese.

Function

Administrative Role

The Dean has administrative tasks, such as ensuring that ecclesiastical laws are observed, coordinating pastoral activities among parishes, and sometimes handling issues that might arise that do not require the direct intervention of the Bishop.

Pastoral Coordination

The Dean acts as a liaison between the parishes in the deanery and the bishop's office. This can include organizing regional events, facilitating communication, and providing support for parish priests.

Support in Liturgy and Ministry

The Dean might also have roles in liturgical functions, like leading deanery-wide celebrations, and can assist in the coordination of ministries across different parishes.

Purpose

The primary aim of a deanery is to foster a sense of community and cooperation among the parishes, enhance pastoral care, and improve the efficiency of administrative duties within a diocese that might be too large for the bishop to manage directly on all levels.