Office of the Vicar General
Very Rev. Alex Zenthoefer serves as Vicar General of the Diocese of Evansville.
The Vicar General is appointed in a diocese by the bishop in order to assist him in the administration and pastoral care of the entire diocese. The Vicar General has executive, but not legislative or judicial authority. He represents and acts in the place of the Bishop in his absence. By reason of his office, the Vicar General is granted ordinary administrative power and jurisdiction which he exercises vicariously in the name of the diocesan bishop whom he serves.
The large scope and executive nature of the office requires that the Vicar General be of sound doctrine, of integrity, of prudence, and well versed in canon law or theology. While the historical origins of this office date back to the 4th century, the 1983 Code of Canon Law established it as a mandatory office in the organizational structure of a diocese. In assisting with many of the day-to-day operations of the diocese, the Vicar General maintains frequent communication with the bishop so that he may always act in harmony with the intention and mind of the Successor of the Apostles.
The Vicar General also assists the bishop of the diocese by providing support to the priests and deacons in the Diocese of Evansville by:
The Vicar General is appointed in a diocese by the bishop in order to assist him in the administration and pastoral care of the entire diocese. The Vicar General has executive, but not legislative or judicial authority. He represents and acts in the place of the Bishop in his absence. By reason of his office, the Vicar General is granted ordinary administrative power and jurisdiction which he exercises vicariously in the name of the diocesan bishop whom he serves.
The large scope and executive nature of the office requires that the Vicar General be of sound doctrine, of integrity, of prudence, and well versed in canon law or theology. While the historical origins of this office date back to the 4th century, the 1983 Code of Canon Law established it as a mandatory office in the organizational structure of a diocese. In assisting with many of the day-to-day operations of the diocese, the Vicar General maintains frequent communication with the bishop so that he may always act in harmony with the intention and mind of the Successor of the Apostles.
The Vicar General also assists the bishop of the diocese by providing support to the priests and deacons in the Diocese of Evansville by:
- Being vigilant and responsible in matters concerning spiritual, physical, and psychological health of the priests and deacons of the Diocese
- Coordinating continuing education programs and sabbaticals for diocesan clergy in collaboration with the Director of Ongoing Formation for Priests
- Assisting the Bishop in the resolution of conflicts concerning matters of priest and deacon personnel