Fourth Synod Compiled Acts, Declarations and Statutes

CHAPTER II CLERGY IN PARTICULAR ARTICLE 1. DEANS

32. a) In accordance with canon 374, the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is divided into the following deaneries: Alton, for the counties of Madison and Bond; Jerseyville, for the counties of Calhoun, Green, Jersey, Macoupin, and Montgomery; Mattoon, for the counties of Clark, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Moultrie, and Shelby; Quincy, for the counties of Adams, Brown, Pike, and Scott; Springfield, for the counties of Cass, Christian, Macon, Menard, Morgan, and Sangamon. (Amended by Decree of Bishop Thomas John Paprocki, June 1, 2021.) b) Permission for a parish to affiliate with a deanery other than its assigned deanery requires the written authorization of the local Ordinary which will be granted only for grave reasons. 33. The Dean represents and assists the Diocesan Bishop by promoting and coordinating the common pastoral activity within the deanery and providing for the pastoral care of all the priests of his deanery 32 and shall have the title of “Very Reverend” unless he has one of higher honor. 34. a) The Deans will visit the parishes and missions of their deaneries at times determined by the local Ordinary and submit a general report according to the form approved by the local Ordinary. 33 b) The Deans will annually submit to the local Ordinary a report of their meetings with the priests of their deaneries and a report of their inspection of the sacramental registers of the parishes in their deaneries every other year. 35. The Dean shall arrange for a monthly meeting of the priests of the deanery to discuss pastoral matters and/or to promote priestly fraternity within the deanery through meals or other social gatherings.

32 Cf. c. 555, §§1-3. 33 Cf. c. 555, §4.

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