What is an episcopal vicar?
By Father Robert Marshall, Pastor, Church of the Ascension QUESTION: What does the term “episcopal vicar” mean? Is this a Catholic term or does it refer to someone in the Episcopal Church? ANSWER: The term “episcopal vicar” is, indeed, a Catholic term. It refers to an office that was established fairly recently after the Second Vatican Council. The authority, duties and qualifications of an “episcopal vicar” are set forth in the Code of Canon Law adopted in 1983. The office can be most easily understood by examining the meanings of the two words that comprise the title. The word “episcopal” refers to the order of bishops. The order itself is sometimes referred to as the “episcopacy” and the ordination of a bishop is properly called an “episcopal ordination.” Because the Anglican Communion is represented in the United States principally by the “Episcopal Church,” American Catholics use the word “episcopal” less frequently than do Catholics in other countries so as to avoid the confusion
