The Office of the Delegate for Religious is to be a pastoral presence to the women and men who are living a consecrated life in the Archdiocese of Newark. Through a ministry of support and service, the office initiates, sustains and strengthens collegial relationships among laity, clergy and members of consecrated life for the good of the total local Church.

The Office of Delegate for Religious is primarily an office of service: of service to the Archbishop when the Delegate acts as his representative; of service to the Religious themselves in areas which are essential to their spiritual and psychological growth; of service to the Archdiocese by supporting, in whatever ways possible, the apostolic and prayerful ministries in which the Religious are engaged.

The Office for the Delegate for Religious serves as the Archbishop’s representative in most ordinary matters dealing with those in Consecrated Life within the Archdiocese of Newark. Religious Institutes, Societies of Apostolic Life, Secular Institutes and other forms of Consecrated life all contribute to the spiritual life and ministry of the Archdiocese, through the presence, prayer, and labor of many Sisters, Brothers, and Priests.

As the liaison person of the Archbishop with the Religious of the Archdiocese of Newark, the Delegate will strive to carry out her pastoral concern for the Religious and to work together with them to help achieve the goals set forth in the Mission Statement of the Archdiocese of Newark.

General Responsibilities:

• Acts as an official representative of the Archbishop in matters regarding Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in the Archdiocese.
• Collaborates with the Vicar for Clergy of the Archdiocese, the Director of the Office of the Protection of the faithful, pastors, and others who are appropriate to particular situations,
• Is available to individual superiors and members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life as a resource for addressing specific needs.
• Provides opportunities for ongoing dialog between the Archbishop and members and Superiors of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
• Maintains data on members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life living and ministering in the diocese.
• Provides a means of communication that informs members of institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life about appropriate activities and needs within the archdiocese.
• Attends profession ceremonies, jubilees, funerals and other special events of members of institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life whenever possible.
•  Is aware of and sensitive to the general needs of members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, and either address these needs and/or brings them to the attention of the Archbishop when appropriate.
• Brings the pastoral concerns of the Archbishop to members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
• Maintains membership in the National Conference of Vicars for Religious, on a national and regional basis, and attends national and regional conferences useful to her as time and finances allow.

The Office of Vocations to Religious Life

The Office of Vocations to Religious Life is also the responsibility of the Delegate for Religious. The delegate is the liaison between the members of the Religious Institutes of Consecrated Life, Societies of Apostolic Life, Secular Institutes and other forms of Consecrated life and the Archdiocese of Newark. As such they

• Appoint the chairperson and other officers to the Archdiocesan Religious Life Vocations Board. *
• Meets on a regular basis with the chairperson and attend meetings as necessary.
• Assures that members of the Religious Institutes on the board have met the safety requirements set out by the Office of the Protection of the Faithful.
• Approves of all activities of the board and brings those that need the archbishop’s approval to him.
• Maintains with board members and with the Office of Communication the website for Vocations to Religious Life.
• When possible and/or invited, collaborates with the Office of Vocations for Diocesan Priesthood.

*Members of the Archdiocesan include those Institutes that attend both meetings of the Archdiocesan Religious Life Vocations Board yearly as well as meet and participate in vocation events with the other members on a regular basis. Those who are unable to do so may have their contacts and website included on the Religious Vocations website.