Evansville Catholic Diocese
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Office of the Vicar General


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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:
  • 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

© Copyright 2025  |  Catholic Diocese of Evansville  |  4200 N. Kentucky Avenue  |  Evansville, IN 47711  |  (812) 424-5536
  • Home
  • Departments
    • Bishop's Office
    • Vicar General
    • Activities & Facilities >
      • Catholic Center Meeting Rooms
      • Sarto Retreat Center
    • Catechesis
    • Catholic Charities
    • Chancellor
    • Communications >
      • The Message Website
    • Finance Office >
      • Forms & Documents
    • Marriage Family and Life >
      • Capital Punishment
      • Courage
      • Divorce Prevention and Support
      • Environmental Stewardship
      • Infertility Resources
      • Faithful Citizenship
      • Healthcare
      • Marriage Preparation
      • Miscarriage Resources
      • Natural Family Planning
      • Over 55
      • Project Rachel
      • Respect Life
      • The Rosary
      • Walking with Moms in Need
    • Ministerio Hispano/ Hispanic Ministry >
      • Noticias y Eventos / News and Events
      • Nuestra Mision y Peronal/ Our Mission and Staff
      • Ministerios/Ministries
      • Ambiente Seguro/Safe Environment
      • Servicios/Services
      • Nuestra Fe/Our Faith
      • Tradiciones Hispanas/Hispanic Traditions
    • Permanent Diaconate >
      • Role & Function of the Deacon
      • Want to Become a Deacon?
      • Formation Program & Schedule
    • Stewardship >
      • Catholic Ministries Appeal
      • The Bruté Society
    • Tribunal
    • Vocations
    • Worship >
      • Jubilee 2025
      • Newsletter
      • Policies & Guidelines
      • Liturgical Calendar
      • Mass
      • Sacraments
      • RCIA
      • Liturgical Music
      • Events
      • Contact
    • Youth & Young Adult >
      • Young Adult Ministry
      • OYAYA Calendar & News
      • Diocesan Forms for OYAYA
      • Saint Maria Goretti Youth Distinction
      • National Catholic Youth Conference
      • March for Life
      • Diocesan Youth Day
      • World Youth Day
      • Scouts BSA and Girl Scouts
      • TEC
      • Source + Summit
      • Scholarship Information
  • Directories
  • Safe Environment
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Links & Resources
  • About Us
    • Previous Bishops
    • History of the Diocese
    • Old Cathedral Library & Museum
  • Contact Us
  • Media
    • News
    • Media Inquiries
  • Mass Times Map
  • Parishes Map
  • Schools Map
  • Catholic Schools
    • Information for Prospective Families
    • Accreditation
    • Exceptional Children Programs
    • Marketing & Development
    • Mission & Vision
    • Professional Development
    • School Council/President's Council
    • School Employment Opportunities
    • Schools Information
    • Standards
    • Tuition Assistance
    • Wellness
    • Contact Us
  • 3-D Communications
  • DONATE NOW
  • Pastoral Priorities 2025-2030
  • MyDio