Vicars for the Diocese of Des Moines

The diocese has a few priests with special responsibilities as assigned by the bishop, known as vicars. Each has certain authority within a defined scope and allows the Diocese to serve the faithful more quickly and efficiently.

The Diocese is bound by Church law to have a vicar general, who is to assist the Bishop in the governance of the whole Diocese. The Diocese is also required to have a judicial vicar, with certain authority related to the Tribunal and other judicial matters.

Bishops are also able, but not required, to have episcopal vicars, to assist in the governance with authority in specific areas, such as regions (also called deaneries in some dioceses), or over specific areas of ministry such as Hispanic Ministry, Divine Worship, clergy, etc.