What is a Dean in the Church? June 29, 2025

The structure of the institution of the Catholic Church has evolved in response to a changing world and the growth of the Church (“the evolving of the Church as it looks to the signs of the times,” in the language of Vatican II). The Church in 33 AD was very small. It was led by Apostles and deacons (helpers). As it grew, it included bishops, then priests, then regional councils. Today the administration of the Church has many layers.

The term “diocese” refers to a geographic boundary led by a Bishop which includes all Catholic institutions and people (Catholic or not) within its boundaries. It is administered via several Secretariats under a Vicar General. The bishop appoints the Vicar General and the heads of the secretariats. The closest secular example would be a corporate hierarchy. In this analogy, Bishop Senior would be the President of the Diocese of Harrisburg, the Vicar General is the CEO, and the Secretariats are the CFO, COO, etc.

Given the size of the diocese, certain tasks such as record keeping need to occur at a more local level. The diocese is then separated into administrative regions called deaneries. This medieval concept of a rural dean (“vicar forane,” or VF) can be seen still in English Cathedrals where there are seats along the wall for each dean. Each one has its own coat of arms!

We are in the Northern Deanery of the Diocese of Harrisburg. This includes 11 parishes from Benton, Berwick, Bloomsburg, Catawissa, Danville, Lewisburg, Mifflinburg, Milton, Selinsgrove, and Sunbury. The Dean holds a diocesan administrative position that also comes with a title change to “Very Reverend”. Recently, Very Rev. Richard Mowery, VF has been named Dean for the Northern Deanery. Sadly, there is no coat of arms. Happily, we still get to call him our Pastor. Congratulations, Fr. Mowery!