What is a Deanery?

A Deanery is part of the organizational structure of a diocese. Within any diocese are a number of parishes, or local churches shepherded by a pastor. Groups of parishes, called Deaneries work together to facilitate better communication between parishes as well as parishes to the bishop and diocesan offices. There are currently seven deaneries in our diocese of Orange. The priest dean, or Vicar Forraine, of each deanery is elected by his peers to represent them for a term of three years. Your current dean is Fr. Steve Sallot, pastor of St. Edward the Confessor and Administrator of San Felipe de Jesus. As our diocese continues to develop and expand ministries, we are seeing that there is a greater need to work together more closely, sharing the resources and talents of each parish community. Greater communication helps in building up the Body of Christ.