Chancellor's Office

The Office of the Chancellor sees to it that the documents of the curia are gathered, arranged, and safeguarded in the archives, and by recording the ecclesiastical acts, decrees, and dispensations issued by the Archbishop. The Chancellor is the chief notary, chief secretary and chief archivist of the diocesan curia. The duties of the Chancellor also extend to assisting the Bishop and the diocese in administrative matters. The Chancellor helps disseminate information to clergy, parishes, and the Catholic faithful that may be beneficial to the people of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.  In the name of the Archbishop, the Chancellor issues letters of suitability and grants permission for clergy and lay speakers and guests to minister, teach and serve as presenters in the diocese. Annual statistical data is collected to provide reports to the Vatican, the Official Catholic Directory, Catholic Conferences, and to publish the Diocesan Directory.

Letters of Suitability: The Office of the Chancellor processes all Letters of Good Standing.

• Priests, Deacons/Laity from Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston - The Chancellor provides Letters of Good Standing for our priests and deacons traveling to other dioceses. Please make your request at least 2 weeks in advance.
• Incoming Speakers – All Letters of Good Standing will be processed through the Office of the Chancellor. Letters should be addressed to the Chancellor. For any questions or concerns, contact Bety Torres at (713) 659-5431 or email: [email protected]. Please note that all visitors (Clergy/Religious/Laity) doing any type of ministry will require a Letter of Good Standing.

Marriage Files: Any Marriage File involving two different parishes, whether it be from two different dioceses or two parishes in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, should be sent to the Office of the Chancellor for approval.