Primary Functions of Diocesan Consultors

1. Advise the Bishop
   1. The bishop consults them on certain important matters affecting the diocese.
   2. In some cases, canon law requires the bishop to obtain their consent before acting.
      
      
2. Property and Financial Matters
   1. The bishop must seek the consultors' advice or consent for particular acts involving significant diocesan property transactions or alienation of church goods.
   2. In a recent consultors agenda in the Diocese of Salt Lake City, consultors considered matters involving ordinations, incardination, and property alienation consultation. 
      
      
3. Ordinations and Incardinations
   1. Consultors may be asked to provide a votum (recommendation) regarding candidates for ordination or priests seeking incardination into the diocese.
   2. Historical diocesan minutes show consultors discussing and unanimously recommending the incardination of a priest into the Diocese of Salt Lake City.
      
      
4. Governance During a Vacancy (Sede Vacante)
   1. When the diocesan bishop dies, resigns, or is transferred, the consultors play a critical role.
   2. They elect a diocesan administrator (unless other provisions apply) to govern the diocese until a new bishop takes possession of the see.
      
      
5. Assisting in Special Administrative Decisions
   Canon law requires consultation or consent from the consultors for various matters, such as:
   1. Certain transfers of pastors.
   2. Permission for clergy to transfer dioceses.
   3. Significant administrative acts.