In a Catholic Diocese the Chancellor is the diocesan official appointed by the Bishop to gather, draw up, countersign, copy, forward and record all official documents required in the various areas of diocesan governance. The chancellor ensures that the administrative and judicial acts of the Diocese are gathered, arranged, safeguarded and preserved in the diocesan Archives. (Canon 482) The bishop may also delegate the chancellor to exercise other functions for the Diocese such as:
1. To provide personnel support for the priests and deacons of the Diocese, including retirement and clearance for ministry outside of our diocese;
2. To serve as the diocesan Notary and to be responsible for the diocesan archives including the preservation of the diocesan history, permanent documents, religious objects and sacramental records;
3. To receive and verify the suitability and good standing of ministerial clergy, religious and laity wishing to serve in the Diocese of Tucson through administrative clearance practices;
4. To maintain data and files which include information regarding diocesan priests, parishes, and various diocesan organizations, ministries and movements; and
5. To compile, generate and submit key required reports including for the Official Catholic Directory, the Directory of the Diocese of Tucson, a summary of the annual Parish Pastoral Reports, the Annual Statistical General Questionnaire to the Vatican, the Quinquennial Report required in connection with the ad limina visit of our Bishop to the Vatican, and the Necrology Report for the Order of Prayer Publication.