By Canon Law, “As often as the correct governance of the diocese requires it, the Diocesan Bishop can also appoint one or several Episcopal Vicars, who possess the same ordinary power which the universal law gives to a Vicar General either in a determined section of the diocese or in a certain type of business or over the faithful of a determined rite or over certain groups of persons. While a Vicar General possesses executive authority in all aspects of Diocesan administration not reserved to the Bishop himself, the Episcopal Vicar, by virtue of his office, enjoys executive authority solely in regard to a specific type of activity or a particular group of persons.

The Episcopal Vicar's area of responsibility and the extent of his authority are established in the decree appointing him, as are matters, which the Bishop reserves to himself. The appointment of an Episcopal Vicar is optional, and as with the Vicar General, is at the discretion of the Bishop. Both the Vicar General and the Episcopal Vicar are appointed for a specific time, mentioned in the letter of appointment. When the Diocese has no bishop, the office of Vicar General and Episcopal Vicar cease to continue.”