Chancellor

Under the direction of the bishop and the supervision of the vicar general, the chancellor is responsible for gathering, arranging, and safeguarding the deeds, proceedings, and records of the diocese and the verification of the signature of the bishop. The chancellor serves as the diocesan notary, oversees the archives and safeguards all documents in accordance with law and policy, carries out a variety of diocesan administrative functions, and assists the bishop as needed. In the Diocese of Portland, the chancellor has oversight of such departments as Professional Responsibility, Safe Environment and Victim Assistance. The chancellor also serves as the primary liaison to religious orders and congregations in the diocese. 

Shannon Fossett, JCL, serves as the chancellor for the Diocese of Portland. She was previously the director of canonical services & tribunal. Since joining the diocese in 2008, she has also served in canonical roles for several other dioceses and archdioceses, including as defender of the bond, assessor, and judge ad causum. Shannon has taught canon law at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and in diocesan formation programs. Originally from South Berwick, she holds a licentiate in canon law and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy pre-law from The Catholic University of America. She is a member of the Canon Law Society of America and the Canon Law Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Letters of Suitability and other inquiries can be sent to [email protected]