A vicariate forane — also called a deanery — is a grouping of neighboring parishes joined together so that the care of souls may be fostered through common action (cf. Code of Canon Law, c. 374 §2).
Over each vicariate the Archbishop appoints one of its priests as Vicar Forane, or dean, to help coordinate the shared pastoral life of the parishes, to support his brother priests, and to see that the worship of God, the care of souls, and the good order of each parish are faithfully carried out (cf. cc. 553–555). In this way the Vicar Forane assists the Archbishop in the essential matters of the Archdiocese within his district.
The Vicar Forane of the Downtown Portland Vicariate is Rev. Msgr. Gerard O'Connor, Rector of St. Mary's Cathedral. Six parishes make up our vicariate, gathered around the heart of the city.
A Map of the Vicariate
The six parishes of the Downtown Portland Vicariate.
Mass & Confession times across the vicariate.
The Six Parishes & Their Pastors
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Please pray for all our priests who serve in the Archdiocese of Portland and that many young men would answer the call to the priesthood. St. John Vianney, pray for us!