Office of the Vicar General
The vicar general is a priest who has been appointed by the bishop to assist him in the governance of the faithful within his diocese. By reason of his office, the vicar general is granted ordinary administrative power and jurisdiction which he exercises vicariously in the name of the diocesan bishop whom he serves. Historically this office date back to the 4th century, and the 1983 Code of Canon Law established it as a mandatory office in the organizational structure of a diocese. The vicar general maintains frequent communication with the bishop so that he may always act in harmony with the intention and mind of the Successor of the Apostles. [canons 475-481]
Meet our
Fr. Kevin Achbach was ordained a priest in 2003 and was assigned to Blessed Sacrament Church, Rapid City. He became administrator in Timber Lake and its mission in 2006 becoming pastor in 2007. Since then, he has served as pastor Sacred Heart and its mission in Philip, and Immaculate Conception and its missions in Winner. He was appointed Vicar General in 2025 and is currently the pastor of St. Joseph, Spearfish, and St. Paul, Belle Fourche.
In 2010, he was named Associate Vocations Director moving to Vocations Director from 2011-2014. He has served on the PRAA board.
Education
B.A. in Philosophy, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Winona, Minnesota
Theological Studies, Pontifical North American College, Vatican City State, Europe
As part of the Office of Vicar General, Fr. Achbach oversees the Office of the Permanent Diaconate and Lay Ministry. Click here for more about the Permanent Diaconate program.
Office of the Permanent Diaconate
Director: Deacon Greg Sass
Diaconate Formation
Director: Deacon Greg Sass
