The Office of the Chancellor works closely with the bishop and the vicar general in the governance and pastoral running of the diocese.
The chancellor is the diocesan notary, establishing the authenticity of the acts of the diocesan curia and ensuring that such acts and historical documents are safely stored in the diocesan archives. The chancellor is also responsible for sacramental records and the diocesan archives, which are directly cared for by the archivist.
The staff is proficient in all areas of canonical legislation, and the chancellor serves the diocesan bishop in the granting of all permissions and dispensations and the transfer of prenuptial wedding files to other dioceses and archdioceses. It is also possible to request a celebret and register as a marriage officiant through the office in accord with canon law.
The chancellor also serves as the bishop’s delegate for canonical matters. As canonical counsel, the chancellor provides legal advice, interpretation, and guidance to the bishop and other officials of the curia in matters of canon law regarding routine diocesan activities. The canonical counsel also selects, coordinates and reviews the work of outside canonical counsel for more complex or specialized matters of canon law.