| Does Clifton Cathedral have a dean? |
| The Cathedral Church of Saints Peter & Paul,
Clifton, Bristol does have a Cathedral Dean, currently Reverend Robert Corrigan. Roman Catholic Cathedrals in England & Wales do not follow the custom of the Protestant Anglican Community - the Church of England. The set up is slightly different. But I am not sure what the enquirer is actually asking so the information which follows may cover whatever information is being sought. Each Roman Catholic diocese, in our case the Diocese of Clifton has the following officer holders. [1] Bishop - Rt Rev. Declan Lang, Bishop of Clifton [2] Vicar General - usually more than one individual to assist the Bishop with administrative procedures thoughout the diocese. [3] Chancellor again to provide assistance with the administration, in particular Sacramental Law/Canon Law. In addition the Bishop has [4] Cathedral Chapter and College of Consultors whom the Bishop must consult on certain issues. This group is presided over by the Provost, and the members carry the title Canon. Usually senior parish priests and others known for their expertise in relevant matters. The Chapter of Canons are not based at the Cathedral itself despite their name, but are usually drawn from the major centres of population representing the diocese as a whole. [5] A Council of Priests whom the Bishop may wish to consult as the occasion demands. [6] A Council of Deacons "" "" [7] Diocesan Trustees - being a registered charity the Diocese as a Charitable Corporation vests all property and asset in the Trustees whose activities are governed by the General Trust Deed. [8] The diocese may also be divided into areas known as Deaneries. Really the linking of neighbouring parishes in an area, sometimes there is a high degree of cooperation between the priests of the deanery and sometimes this involves the lay people in that area working collaboratively. Usually the clergy elect one of their number as the Rural Dean. This individual may, or may not, be appointed a Canon of the Cathedral Chapter, indeed in some deaneries, the postholder is moved around on a rota basis among the clergy of that area. So what about the Dean you may ask! Each Diocese in England & Wales may have made its own arrangements, but in the Diocese of Clifton, the Cathedral being the location of the Bishop's' "Cathedra" or seat of teaching, while being the Cathedral and therefore properly the Bishop's place, is also a Parish Church. A Cathedral Dean is appointed as Parish Priest and is responsible for the day to day pastoral and administrative activities of the Cathedral. If you would like more information you might refer to Bishop's Secretary, or the Catholic Church in England site: http://www.tasc.ac.uk/cc/ ,although I am happy to field any further enquiry. If your enquirer wants more information you might refer to the Bishop's Secretary, or the Catholic Church in England & Wales website: http://www.catholic-ew.org.uk/ although I am happy to field any further enquiry.
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