The bishop's vicar: how does it work?

Sr. Weisenbeck is president and chairwoman, leadership council, Congreation of the Sisters of theThird Order of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, La Crosse, Wis. Adiocesan bishop may assign his oversight for particular apostolic activities to persons called episcopal vicars. Canon 476 articulates the conditions for appointment, and the vicar's duties and authority. "As often as the good governance of the diocese requires it, the diocesan bishop can appoint one or more episcopal vicars . . . The competence of an episcopal vicar is limited to a determined part of the diocese, or to a specific type of activity, or to the faithful of a particular rite, or to certain groups of people." A vicar is a priest at least 30 years of age, well-versed in the discipline pertaining to his appointment, and known for sound doctrine, integrity, prudence and practical experience. An episcopal vicar has executive authority pertaining only to the type of appointed activity and the faculties granted a diocesan bishop by the Apostolic See. He must report to the diocesan bishop on more important matters and never act against the will and mind of the diocesan bishop.