A deanery is the territorial jurisdiction of a dean. "Parishes
of a diocese are usually gathered into deaneries in order to
promote joint pastoral action and the best possible distribution
of ministry, and to provide for the pastoral care of the priests
serving in each area of the diocese" (La Crosse). "The care of
the deanery is confided by the diocesan bishop, after
consultation with the priests of the deanery, to one of the
priests ministering in the deanery" (La Crosse). This individual
is called the dean. In a practical way, the main roles of the
dean are to help support the deanery clergy: To provide
information between the deanery parishes and its diocese. The
dean may also help with parish matters and, in some cases,
represent the bishop. They may also coordinate endeavors within
the deanery, including services, fund raisers, and other
activities.