CHAPTER VII. Vicars Forane

Can.553 §1. A vicar forane, who is also called a dean, an archpriest, or some other name, is a priest who is placed

over a vicariate forane.

§2. Unless particular law establishes otherwise, the diocesan bishop appoints the vicar forane, after he has

heard the priests who exercise ministry in the vicariate in question according to his own prudent judgment.

Can.554 §1. For the office of vicar forane, which is not tied to the office of pastor of a certain parish, the bishop is

to select a priest whom he has judged suitable, after he has considered the circumstances of place and time.

§2. A vicar forane is to be appointed for a certain period of time determined by particular law.

§3. The diocesan bishop can freely remove a vicar forane from office for a just cause in accord with his own

prudent judgment.

Can.555 §1. In addition to the faculties legitimately given to him by particular law, the vicar forane has the duty

and right:

1/ of promoting and coordinating common pastoral activity in the vicariate;

2/ of seeing to it that the clerics of his district lead a life in keeping with their state and perform their duties

diligently;

3/ of seeing to it that religious functions are celebrated according to the prescripts of the sacred liturgy, that

the beauty and elegance of churches and sacred furnishings are maintained carefully, especially in the eucharistic

celebration and custody of the Most Blessed Sacrament, that the parochial registers are inscribed correctly and

protected appropriately, that ecclesiastical goods are administered carefully, and finally that the rectory is cared for

with proper diligence.

§2. In the vicariate entrusted to him, the vicar forane:

1/ is to see to it that, according to the prescripts of particular law and at the times stated, the clerics attend lectures,

theological meetings, or conferences according to the norm of can. 279, §2;

2/ is to take care that spiritual supports are available to the presbyters of his district, and likewise to be concerned

especially for those who find themselves in more difficult circumstances or are beset by problems.

§3. The vicar forane is to take care that the pastors of his district whom he knows to be gravely ill do not lack

spiritual and material aids and that the funeral rites of those who have died are celebrated worthily. He is also to

make provision so that, on the occasion of illness or death, the registers, documents, sacred furnishings, and other

things which belong to the Church are not lost or removed.

§4. A vicar forane is obliged to visit the parishes of his district according to the determination made by the

diocesan bishop.