From: Kevin G. Hayes [mailto:Kevin_Hayes@adelphia.net] 
Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2006 4:42 PM
To: James Green
Subject: Re: Appointment of Chaplain

Worthy DD; Dear Brother Jim,
I shared your inquiry with the State Deputy,  Please see his response below.  This is an important question and I am grateful for your asking.
Fraternally,
Kevin

---Forwarded Message---

Kevin:

I just spoke to Fr. Ready to get a better idea of what the Arlington Diocese does with these letters requesting the Bishop's approval of appointment. In a nutshell:

A letter from the Grand Knight to the Bishop requesting approval of a particular Priest's appointment as the Council Chaplain is required.  These requests usually end up on Fr. Ready's desk.  He then calls the Priest's Pastor to make sure it is OK with him.  He then calls the Priest himself to make sure he has agreed.  Based on the responses, Fr. Ready then makes a recommendation to the Bishop.  The Bishop then sends a letter to the Grand Knight saying it's OK.  Fr. Ready said the Bishop likes to sign these letters himself and that Grand Knights like to get them.

The issue of reappointments was also discussed.  Many councils are, and many are not, sending in letters requesting reappointment of Council Chaplains  -- and they all probably should be.  Things can change in a year's time.  A new Pastor is an obvious example, or the loss or gain of a Parochial Vicar in the parish is another.  The health of the Pastor is another, or just increased or readjusted workload of pastoral duties in the parish.  These are all factors that could contribute to approval or denial of reappointments.  Keep in mind also that many priests in the diocese also have diocesan duties beyond the pastoral duties in the parishes where they are assigned.  Others are chaplains in hospitals or schools.

Bottom line:  Send letters.  Don't assume or presume.  While in most cases it is a formality and a courtesy, it should be done by the books.

Cy