Msgr. Dennis C. Dorney has been named Vicar General for the Diocese of Tulsa, returning to the post he held prior to Msgr. Patrick Gaalaas assuming the office on May 1, 2004.
Msgr. Dorney will remain as pastor of the Church of St. Mary and also continue as Vicar of Priests until a replacement can be named, said Bishop Edward J. Slattery in a July 8 memorandum to all priests, deacons and the Chancery staff.
Msgr. Gaalaas will continue as pastor for St. Bernard Church in Tulsa and as the director of the Office of Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue.
“I requested it, and the Bishop was kind enough to grant it,” Msgr. Gaalaas said in explaining why he stepped down as Vicar General effective July 7. He said he will be able to devote more time and energy to his busy parish, which does not have an associate pastor.
“After six years, Msgr. Dorney returns to the Chancery Office to resume responsibilities as my Vicar General,” Bishop Slattery said. “As before, he will serve us all very well.”
Msgr. Dorney was first appointed Vicar General in 1983, and has held the position four times before, twice for several years at a time and twice for a short time while the Bishop was out of town. ““I am glad to have the ability to help the Bishop and the Diocese in any way that I can,” he said following his latest appointment.
He also expressed his gratitude to Msgr. Gaalaas, saying “he has served the Diocese of Tulsa well.”
The Vicar General is the highest administrative office in the Diocese and oversees all administrative matters. Church law establishes the office, and the Bishop chooses the priest who holds the office. To qualify, a priest must be at least 30 years old and "recommended by sound doctrine, integrity, prudence, and experience in handling matters."
The Vicar General has executive power over the whole Diocese regarding administrative matters, except those matters the Bishop has reserved for himself. The Vicar General acts in the name of the Bishop and makes an oath to follow the mind and intention of the Bishop in all things.
