CHAPTER VII
: VICARS FORANE
Can.
553 §1 The Vicar forane, known also as the dean or the archpriest or by some
other title, is the priest who is placed in charge of a vicariate forane.
§2 Unless
it is otherwise prescribed by particular law, the Vicar forane is appointed by
the diocesan Bishop; if he has considered it prudent to do so, he will have
consulted the priests who are exercising the ministry in the vicariate.
Can.
554 §1 For the office of Vicar forane, which is not tied to the office of
parish priest of any given parish, the Bishop is to choose a priest whom, in
view of the circumstances of place and time, he has judged to be suitable.
§2 The
Vicar forane is to be appointed for a certain period of time, determined by
particular law.
§3 For a
just reason, the diocesan Bishop may in accordance with his prudent judgement
freely remove the Vicar forane from office.
Can.
555 §1 Apart from the faculties lawfully given to him by particular law, the
Vicar forane has the duty and the right:
1° to
promote and coordinate common pastoral action in the vicariate;
2° to see
that the clerics of his district lead a life befitting their state, and
discharge their obligations carefully
3° to
ensure that religious functions are celebrated according to the provisions of
the sacred liturgy; that the elegance and neatness of the churches and sacred
furnishings are properly maintained, particularly in regard to the celebration
of the Eucharist and the custody of the blessed Sacrament; that the parish
registers are correctly entered and duly safeguarded; that ecclesiastical goods
are carefully administered; finally, that the parochial house is looked after
with care.
§2 In the
vicariate entrusted to him, the Vicar forane:
1° is to
encourage the clergy, in accordance with the provisions of particular law, to
attend at the prescribed time lectures and theological meetings or conferences,
in accordance with can. 272 §2[3 ] . 2° is to see to it that spiritual
assistance is available to the priests of his district, and he is to show a
particular solicitude for those who are in difficult circumstances or are
troubled by problems. §3 When he has come to know that parish priests of his
district are seriously ill, the Vicar forane is to ensure that they do not lack
spiritual and material help. When they die, he is to ensure that their funerals
are worthily celebrated. Moreover, should any of them fall ill or die, he is to
see to it that books, documents, sacred furnishings and other items belonging
to the Church are not lost or removed.
§4 The
Vicar forane is obliged to visit the parishes of his district in accordance
with the arrangement made by the diocesan Bishop.
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