Our diocese is in the midst of transition. Currently we are without a Bishop for the foreseeable time.  I can say this does make me feel a little rudderless as a chancery employee. The bishop helps in guiding our direction and allows us to be able to move in new directions and add new opportunities. His leadership keeps us moving forward. During this time of absence, we have an administrator, Monsignor Robert Kurwicki, and I am sure he will do a wonderful job for us! His role is to continue to help us implement the plans that already were under way and maintain the status quo. Things will keep going, but they will be different. At the end of the day, it points out how essential leadership is for our church. We can think back just a few weeks to how it felt to be without a Pope and the joy we felt with the announcement of Pope Leo XIV. Every organization needs leadership, and Jesus left us the apostles.  Our church has continued the process for over 2000 years, giving us new leaders with the appointment of bishops. So today I leave you with a few thoughts to ponder during this time of transition. 

First, pray to the apostles and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We just completed the Easter season this past Sunday with the Feast of Pentecost.  The Apostles knew exactly how we felt. They didn’t lose a bishop they lost the physical presence of Jesus on Ascension. They must have felt this lack of leadership. How were they going to step up as the new leaders? They must have felt uncertain about how they could possibly help to move things forward. How would this new church develop? But they were not left alone! The Holy Spirit was sent to them. The same Spirit we received at baptism and confirmation. Pray to these apostles and the Holy Spirit to not only guide those that will be choosing our new bishop but to guide us and our pastors as we keep things moving and growing during this time! 

But let’s also put some action behind those prayers. Let’s work to grow the type of parishes we want to pass on to our children and grandchildren.  Let us a prepare for our future bishop, a diocese ready to be the Light of Christ to the small portion of the world he has entrusted to us! I am sure there are many opportunities in your parish to do that. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to look for one area where you can bring your talents to help in the mission of your parish. Also, consider joining our Faith In Action Together movement. Many of our parishes still need a women’s ministry parish liaison for this movement. If you feel the Holy Spirit may be calling you to that role, please reach out to me. There are also opportunities to sign up for our volunteer list. Descriptions of these roles and others are on our service page. You will find a link below. I will be praying for your discernment! 

The Catholic Church dedicates June to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. What a perfect reminder to place our eyes and hearts on the true leader of our lives and follow where he leads. He will not lead us astray!  

We are Better Together! 

Barb