A deanery is the territorial jurisdiction of a dean. "Parishes of a diocese are usually gathered into deaneries in order to promote joint pastoral action and the best possible distribution of ministry, and to provide for the pastoral care of the priests serving in each area of the diocese" (La Crosse). "The care of the deanery is confided by the diocesan bishop, after consultation with the priests of the deanery, to one of the priests ministering in the deanery" (La Crosse). This individual is called the dean.