Rev. James Hayden was appointed as vicar general and moderator of the curia for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gaylord, according to a news release by the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, a parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gaylord in Traverse City.

Bishop Walter A. Hurley, the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Gaylord, announced Hayden's appointment in the news release, saying that it was effective Oct. 1. The church congratulated Hayden in the news release.

The vicar general is a priest that also works as the bishop's deputy with many responsibilities. Hayden will work with the diocese and the bishop and will have administrative authority. He will also exercise the ordinary executive power of the bishop over the entire diocese, the news release states.

The news release also states that as the vicar general, Hayden will be delegated to act in the bishop's name.

The vicar general is allowed to perform all administrative duties except what the bishop has designated for himself as part of his job. He will also advise the bishop on many different issues and represents the diocese on behalf of the bishop when it comes to both internal and external things, according to the release.

The news release notes that Hayden will participate in decision-making when it comes to the assignment of priests, as well as responding to requests received from extern priests when it comes to the performance of ministerial services within the diocese.

The vicar general also serves on the Priest Retirement Board and as an ex officio member of several councils, including the Presbyteral Council, the Diocesan Council of Consultors and the Diocesan Finance Council. He also oversees work done by the Permanent Diaconate Formation, the news release states.

As the moderator of the curia, Hayden will exercise administrative affairs and oversee the individuals that hold office and minister in the diocesan administration, according to the news release.

In this position, Hayden will ensure that administrative demands don't come before the care of individuals and the good of their souls, the news release states. This position is the equivalent of a chief operating officer in a corporate structure, according to the news release.