The Chancellor, by definition, is the principal record keeper of the Diocese, charged with all associated tasks. The Chancellor is also the ecclesiastical notary to the Bishop for all acts, decrees, or dispensations issued by him.

The Chancellor has been delegated by the Bishop to give certain marriage permissions or dispensations and to process the papers for the marriages of people living in the Diocese who are celebrating their marriage outside the Diocese.

Within the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, the Chancellor also serves as Administrative Assistant to the Bishop.