The Archdiocesan bishop is the visible principal and foundation of unity in the local Church (diocese) entrusted to him by the Pope, the successor of Peter. He is also the link between the local Church and the universal Church. As a successor of the apostles, the Archbishop is responsible for the mission of the Church in the Archdiocese. He needs the collaboration of the clergy, religious and laity to proclaim the Word of God and celebrate the sacraments for the redemption and salvation of God's people. Through his collaborators in the Archdiocesan departments, agencies, parochial ministries, schools and hospitals, the Archdiocesan bishop plans and directs the apostolic work of the Church of Galveston-Houston.
An Archbishop or Bishop whose resignation from office has been accepted retains the title of Archbishop or Bishop Emeritus of his Archdiocese and can retain a place of residence in his Archdiocese if he so desires.
Auxiliary bishops are given to the Archdiocesan Bishop, especially if the Archdiocese is extensive and very populous, either to assist him in his entire ministry, or in some particular pastoral duties, or in caring for a part of the archdiocese (CHRISTUS DOMINUS 25-26). In the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, the Auxiliary Bishops have previously served as Episcopal and Ethnic Vicars.
Chancellor and Moderator of the CuriaAuxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz
Vice ChancellorMs. Christina Deajon
Phone: 713.659.5461
Fax: 713.759.9151
Location: Downtown Chancery
The Offices of Chancellor & Vice Chancellor act as the executive arm of the Archbishop. The functions of the offices include: coordinating functions of the Chancery; interpreting Archdiocesan and general Church law and policies as they affect Archdiocesan operations; care of the records; the editing of clergy newsletter; negotiating Archdiocesan insurance; providing consultation and coordination in matters affecting priests and their assignments; providing for general communication services at the discretion of the Archbishop; processing dispensations and any special permissions prior to marriage; supervising the maintenance of records and archives; and purchasing of future parish sites. The Chancellor, as Moderator of the Curia, coordinates the exercise of administrative responsibility and sees to it that the department heads fulfill the ministries entrusted to them.
For more information on the seven Secretariats of the Archdiocese, please click here. | 
