The Episcopal Delegate for Religious is structured to maintain a bond between the Bishop of the Diocese and members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. The Episcopal Delegate for Religious, appointed by the Bishop, serves as his liaison and offers pastoral concern, provides appropriate resources, and facilitates collaborative structures for leaders and members of the various institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life to enhance their vocation within the Church in the Diocese of Albany.

The ministry of the Episcopal Delegate for Religious is primarily one of service: service to the Bishop when acting as his representative; service to members of institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life in areas essential to their growth; service to the diocese by supporting, in whatever way possible, the vocation to Religious and Consecrated Life.

General Responsibilities

• To act as an official representative of the Bishop in matters regarding Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in the Diocese.
• To be available to individual members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life as a resource for addressing specific needs.
• To provide opportunities for ongoing dialog between the Bishop and members and superiors of institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life.
• To maintain data on members of institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life living and ministering in the diocese. 
• To provide a means of communication which informs members of institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life about appropriate activities and needs within the diocese. 
• To attend profession ceremonies, jubilees, funerals and other special events of members of institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life.
• To be 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 bring them to the attention of the Bishop when appropriate.
• To bring the pastoral concerns of the Bishop to members of institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life.
• To retain membership in the National Conference of Vicars for Religious, on a national and regional basis, and attend national and regional conferences as time and finances allow.

The position of Episcopal Delegate for Religious is currently vacant.