Chancellor
Administration and OperationsThe Chancellor fulfills the canonical duties of this position by ensuring the documents of the curia are gathered, arranged, and safeguarded in the archives, and by recording the ecclesiastical acts, decrees, and dispensations issued by the Bishop (can. 482). The Chancellor is the chief notary, chief secretary and chief archivist of the diocesan curia. The duties of the Chancellor also extend to assisting the Bishop and the diocese in administrative matters. The Chancellor helps disseminate information to clergy, parishes, and the Catholic faithful that may be beneficial to the people of the Diocese of Tyler. Finally, in the name of the Bishop, the Chancellor issues a letter of suitability and permissions for clergy and lay guests to minister and present in the diocese.
Sacramental Records and Requests
All sacramental records in the Diocese of Tyler are kept and maintained at the parish level.
There are no baptism or marriage records at the diocesan chancery.
Requests should be directed to the appropriate parish.
Permission for Guest Speakers and Presenters
In order for the diocesan bishop to protect the integrity and unity of the faith, written approval from the bishop is required before speakers, presenters, or performers can be brought into the diocese by parishes, missions, schools, or other Catholic organizations. This applies to clergy, religious, and lay guests.
The Diocese of Tyler is responsible for ensuring, to the best of its ability, that anyone brought in as a speaker, presenter, or performer for events held within the diocese is both faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing with the safe environment policies of their home diocese. This requires advanced communication (generally at least 30 days before the event) with the Office of the Chancellor as part of the event preparation. Events should not be promoted until approval is written received.
Letter of Suitability for Visiting Clergy and Religious
Priests or deacons from outside of the Diocese of Tyler who will be engaging in public ministry at any parish, school, or other location in the diocese are required to obtain the prior permission of the bishop to undertake their ministry within the territory of the diocese.
Permission will only be granted if satisfactory written confirmation (Letter of Suitability) is given to the chancery from the visiting cleric’s own bishop or superior stating that he is in good canonical standing, that he is compliance with the training and background check requirements of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, and that he is suitable for ministry with minors and vulnerable adults. By particular law, this is required even if the cleric is known to the pastor of the church he will be visiting in the Diocese of Tyler (c. 903).
The same permission is required of consecrated men and women religious, in which case the testimonial of suitability is to be provided from their religious superior or the bishop of the diocese in which they are currently engaged in ministry.
Chancellor and Administration Staff
Fox, Helen
Benefits Coordinator
Lara, Ariseli
Director of Ethics and Integrity
Lopez, Maria
Administrative Assistant
