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Enthusiastic new bishop does plenty of visiting

	SCHOOL TIME: Bp. David Zubik talks with second graders at Holy Family School during his Oct. 10 visit to Green Bay. (Rick Evans photo)

Bp. David Zubik met his first goal the day he was appointed to be the 11th bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay.

"I really wanted the chance to meet some of the outstanding people of Green Bay," he said. "I wanted to get out and do some visiting."

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Following a meeting with diocesan employees and a press conference, Bp. Zubik visited Holy Family School and Paul's Pantry in Green Bay.

"I am truly honored, privileged and humbled to be in Green Bay," he said. "Anyone who knew I was coming here said it is a beautiful place and the people are out of this world."

Bp. Zubik met with second and eighth graders at Holy Family School. He said visiting a diocesan school was a high point because of his seven years of service as vice principal at Quigley High School in Baden, Pa.

"The kids always have a special place in my heart," he said.

In addition to introducing himself to the students, Bp. Zubik asked questions to the eighth graders about the role of bishops in the church, which they answered flawlessly.

"I wasn't really expecting him to ask us questions, but it was nice," said Maggie Rock. "It was really nice to meet the bishop first before anyone else. He was really nice and I think he will do a great job."

Classmate Maureen Liddy was excited when she first heard Bp. Zubik address the class.

"I am from Pittsburgh and he had the same accent as the people there," she said. "When I got home, I told my parents right away that he was an auxiliary bishop in Pittsburgh."

Bp. Zubik also welcomed questions from the eighth grade students. Vicky Wilda asked him about his pectoral cross, which he explained was a gift from the pope and represents his love for Jesus and the church.

"That was really interesting," said Wilda. "I never knew why bishops wore chains. He seemed really down to earth. It was nice of him to come to our school. He's easy to talk to."

Camera crews followed Bp. Zubik throughout the day. The media attention enhanced the significance of the visit, said eighth grader Sam Knafelc.

"I was scared of all the cameras," he said. "I never expected that. He is a really nice guy. I'm glad he came to our class."

Bp. Zubik asked a favor of the eighth graders.

"Sometime, before you go to bed tonight, say whatever it is that is your favorite prayer," he said. "Ask God to help me to be a good bishop, and a good leader to bring people closer to God."

"It was nice that he would ask something like that," said student Charley Tessier. "It shows that he really cares about us and that our prayers and support are important."

Bp. Zubik said the "Lord's Prayer" with the eighth graders before leaving the school. He made a favorable impression on the students.

"It means a lot to us that, on his first day here, he was willing to spend time with children and not only adults," said Rock. "I'm looking forward to when he comes back so I can learn more about him."

Bp. Zubik wasted no time introducing himself to the people waiting outside Paul's Pantry, the largest pantry in the United States that rescues food from the market place and distributes it to local needy at no cost. Once inside, he toured the facility with Craig Robbins, pantry director.

"I think it says a great deal about him that the poor are on his mind," said Robbins. "That's a good thing for the people of this area. I was very surprised to find out he was coming here, but it was a very nice surprise."

Bp. Zubik spoke with volunteers before making his way to greet people waiting in line for food. He even took the opportunity to hold a baby.

"I am so glad I was able to come here," he said. "This is very impressive."

"I gave him some information to read on the plane," said Robbins. "His visit meant a lot to the people here. I saw smiles on the faces of our volunteers. He mentioned St. Vincent De Paul and its importance to his home community. He also said he plans to come back, and I'm looking forward to his next visit."

Bp. Zubik stopped for prayer at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay before meeting with priests from the diocese in the afternoon. The new bishop mentioned his enthusiasm as one of his strengths. It was displayed throughout the day.

"I think enthusiasm can be contagious and it's a genuine enthusiasm," he said. "By coming to know people and demonstrating genuinely that people are important to me is one of the ways I can connect with people spiritually."

"I seek to be a man of integrity," he continued. "I also try to be a man who lives what he preaches. I am going to do the best job that I can possibly do for the Diocese of Green Bay."