Code of Canon Law: text (original) (raw)
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 haveconsulted 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 ofparish priest of any given parish, the Bishop is to choose a priest whom, inview of the circumstances of place and time, he has judged to be suitable.
§2 TheVicar forane is to be appointed for a certain period of time, determined byparticular law.
§3 For ajust 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, theVicar forane has the duty and the right:
1° topromote and coordinate common pastoral action in the vicariate;
2° to seethat the clerics of his district lead a life befitting their state, anddischarge their obligations carefully
3° toensure 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 celebrationof the Eucharist and the custody of the blessed Sacrament; that the parish registers are correctly entered and duly safeguarded; that ecclesiastical goodsare carefully administered; finally, that the parochial house is looked after with care.
§2 In thevicariate entrusted to him, the Vicar forane:
1° is toencourage the clergy, in accordance with the provisions of particular law, toattend 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 aparticular solicitude for those who are in difficult circumstances or aretroubled by problems. §3 When he has come to know that parish priests of hisdistrict 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 funeralsare worthily celebrated. Moreover, should any of them fall ill or die, he is tosee to it that books, documents, sacred furnishings and other items belongingto the Church are not lost or removed.
§4 TheVicar forane is obliged to visit the parishes of his district in accordancewith the arrangement made by the diocesan Bishop.