Vicars Forane

Circular 2004-47
To:

All Vicars Forane:

For the guidance of the Vicars Forane, allow me to clarify your functions in accordance
with the spirit of the Code and our journey as a Diocese and as a Presbyterium:
1. To promote and coordinate in the vicariate under their charge common pastoral programs
and engage the priests therein in common planning for a fruitful parish ministry.
2. To see to it that priests and other Clergy in their territory lead a life proper to their state
and discharge their duties diligently.
3. To check the parochial books twice a year as well as to maintain the dignity and
correctness of the celebration of the sacraments in the parishes under their charge,
particularly about the use of officially recognized liturgical books and appropriate sacred
vessels.
4. To encourage his priests and to teach by example attendance at Clergy meetings, annual
retreats, conferences and renewal/formation sessions.
5. To make sure that spiritual helps are provided for priests and other clerics in the vicariate,
and that they are not lacking the means for fair and decent living.
6. To be particularly concerned for and visit priests who are in difficult circumstances or
upset by problems.
7. To act as a go-between or intermediary in settling differences within the Clergy and
between parishes in the vicariate.
8. When a priest of the vicariate becomes ill, to ensure that the priest lacks no spiritual and
material help; when one of them dies, to assure that his funeral arrangements and rites are
properly taken care of and to secure, in coordination with the Chancery and the family, all
the personal and parochial property and books, particularly the unsaid Masses.
9. Once a year to make a visitation of each parish within the vicariate and a report of every
visitation forwarded to the Chancery.
Please be guided properly!
Given in the Chancery in Fairview, Quezon City, this 15th day of December, in the Year of
Our Lord, 2004.
Most Rev. Antonio R. Tobias, DD
Bishop
Attested to by:
Rev. Fr. Jaime Z. Lara
Chancellor