Vicar General of the Diocese

Very Rev. James Tobolski
The Vicar General of the Diocese of Superior is the Very Rev. James Tobolski

A vicar is a cleric who takes the place of another and exercises authority in the other’s name, in accord with the prescriptions of canon law. The Vicar General is appointed in a diocese as the "alter ego" (other self) of the bishop to assist him in the administration and pastoral care of the diocese. The Vicar General has executive, but not legislative or judicial authority. He represents and acts in the place of the Bishop in his absence.

The areas of responsibilty of the Vicar General include:
- Vice President of the Diocesan Corporation
- Ex officio member of the Corporate Board of all parishes
- Ex officio member of the Diocesan Pastoral Council
- Ex officio member of the Diocesan Finance Council
The large scope and executive nature of the office requires that the vicar general be of sound doctrine, of integrity, of prudence, and well versed in both canon law and theology. While the historical origins of this office date back to the 4th century, the Second Vatican Council spoke of it as "the most important office in the diocesan curia", and the 1983 Code of Canon Law established it as a mandatory office in the organizational structure of a diocese. In handling many of the day-to-day canonical operations of the diocese, the vicar general maintains frequent communication with the bishop so that he may always act in harmony with the intention and mind of the Successor of the Apostles. [can. 475-481]

The Vicar General can be contacted at:
- Diocesan Office: 715-394-0207