adjective / noun

diocesan

dye-AH-si-sun/daɪˈɑːsɪsn/

Relating to the church territory under a bishop.

The diocesan office supports churches throughout the bishop's district.

A bishop points to a clearly bounded district on a large tabletop map containing several parish churches and one larger cathedral, making the relationship between a bishop and a church district visible.

Etymology

diGreekthoroughly

+ocesGreekhouse

+anLatinpertaining to

The underlying image is managing a house: “thoroughly” and “house” developed into a term for administration and jurisdiction. The adjective applies this idea to the district administered by a bishop.

In context

Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City0:10

priest of the Diocese of Jefferson City as part of our catechetical series for preparing for and welcoming a bishop elect Sean McKnight as our next diocesan bishop

What is a Diocese and How is A Bishop Selected?

More examples

Teachers from several diocesan schools attend the annual meeting.
The bishop announces a new diocesan policy on building repairs.
The diocesan visits our parish to lead the confirmation service.

Forms

diocesan · diocesans

diocese noun — A church district governed by a bishop.

Similar words

episcopal: Relates to bishops or their authority, not specifically their districts.
ecclesiastical: Relates to the church generally, rather than one bishop's district.