CHARLOTTE — Bishop Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv., announces the appointments of three priests to fill vacancies as vicars forane, effective Oct. 21:
• Father Alfonso Gamez, V.F., for the Hickory Vicariate
• Father Paul McNulty, V.F., for the Smoky Mountain Vicariate
• Father W. Christian Cook, V.F., for the Greensboro Vicariate
Sometimes called a dean, a vicar forane is a priest appointed by the bishop to assist him in promoting and coordinating the pastoral work of the Church within a specific region of the diocese called a vicariate. The Diocese of Charlotte has 10 vicariates.
Vicars forane also provide guidance and oversight in certain matters, such as keeping good order, property maintenance, administrative practices, adherence to liturgical prescripts, and the like. Also, vicars forane provide support and care for the priests in his region, according to Church law.
— Catholic News Herald