As part of “maintenance to mission,” the Into the Deep strategic planning initiative has resulted in organizing parishes and churches into pastorates and eventually new parishes in the Diocese of Madison.
Tag: Vicariates Forane
Vicariates Forane created in the Madison Diocese
 |
|
What is a Vicar Forane?
A vicar forane, sometimes called a dean, is a priest appointed by the bishop in order to promote a common pastoral activity in a region of the diocese and to provide spiritual and pastoral counsel to the other priests in that region.
History of Vicars Forane
The term “vicar forane” comes from Latin, meaning a representative (vicarius) who is outside (foras), because these priests were considered representatives of the bishop outside of the cathedral city. The office of vicar forane probably dates back to the fourth century when Christianity began to spread beyond the major cities to rural areas. Seeing the need to send representatives to these communities which had embraced the faith, bishops would send an “archpriest” with special delegation and responsibilities to act as a kind of overseer in the region who also was in charge of communication between the bishop and the local priests.
The 1917 Code of Canon Law mandated the establishment of vicars forane in every diocese. However, the understanding of this office experienced a pastoral renewal in the period following the Second Vatican Council. The fathers of the Second Vatican Council saw the vicar forane as a preeminently pastoral office, as a way to bring presbyters together in order to promote and direct a common pastoral activity in their territory. The 1973 directory for bishops likewise affirms the pastoral nature of the office and speaks of the vicar forane as one who animates and enlivens the local presbytery in pastoral action.
Official Announcement
Rev. Msgr. James Bartylla, Vicar General, on behalf of Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino, Bishop of Madison, announces the following, per canon 553, in regards to Vicariates Forane in the Diocese of Madison, effective immediately: