Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Roman Catholic Church) An administrative deputy who assists a bishop: A cleric appointed by a bishop to assist in the general governance and administration of a diocese, often possessing delegated executive authority.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The bishop appointed a new vicar-general to manage the diocese's day-to-day affairs.
  • As vicar-general, his signature was required on many official documents.
  • The vicar-general presided over the meeting in the bishop's absence.

Advanced Usage

• Role and Authority: The vicar-general typically holds ordinary executive power, meaning the authority is attached to the office itself and is not merely delegated for a specific task. He acts in the bishop's name.
  • The vicar-general issued a decree regarding parish boundaries.
• Canon Law Context: In canonical terms, the vicar-general is a principal official, often a priest, who helps the diocesan bishop in the exercise of his jurisdiction.
  • According to Canon Law, the vicar-general must be a priest known for sound doctrine and integrity.

Variants and Related Words

• Vicar (n): A more general term for a representative or deputy of a bishop or a parish priest in the Anglican Church. (e.g., )
• Vicarate (n): The office or term of office of a vicar.
• General Vicar: An alternative, less common phrasing with the same meaning as vicar-general.

Synonyms

• Diocesan administrator: A temporary role similar in function during a vacancy.
• Bishop's delegate: A descriptive synonym emphasizing the delegated authority.
• Episcopal vicar: A similar official, but usually with authority over a specific territory or area within a diocese, unlike the vicar-general who has general authority.

Notes on Meaning

• The term is specific to ecclesiastical (church) governance, particularly within the Roman Catholic Church. It is a formal title for a high-ranking administrative position.
• It should not be confused with a parish vicar, who is a priest assisting in a specific parish, or an archdeacon, a title used in some other Christian traditions.

Noun

1. (Roman Catholic Church) an administrative deputy who assists a bishop