The Vicar General is a priest appointed by the diocesan bishop and assists him in the ordinary executive governance of the diocese, in accord with the norms of Canon Law (see canons 475-481). He is to have at least a licentiate in Canon Law or Sacred Theology. In the Diocese of Raleigh, the Vicar General is a member of the executive staff of the diocesan bishop and additionally assists with direct oversight of the Office of Divine Worship and the Office of Child and Youth Protection. The Office of the Vicar General also provides administrative support to the Vicar for Priests and to the Office of the Permanent Diaconate.