Religious leaders discuss Bp. Banks

Bp. Robert Banks was called on to work with religious leaders - both of communities of men and women religious based in the diocese and of the Lutheran and Episcopalian churches with whom the diocese has a long-standing covenant.

Here are the thoughts of some of these leaders:

	S p e c i a l   S e c t i o n : Farewell to Bishop Banks
	• 'Blessed be God Forever'     Bp. Robert Banks retires as the     diocese's chief shepherd and spiritual     leader  • Highlights of 13 years in Green Bay  • Bishop seen as priest-servant     Friends, colleagues, see Bishop as     spiritual, caring  • Bp. Robert Joseph Banks biography  • Accepted the hard times with grace     Bishop believes God at work  • A style that works     Bishop noted for his care and listening     skills  • Timeline of Bp. Banks' years in Green Bay  • College presidents remember Bp. Banks  • Lay Catholics remember Bp. Banks  • Diocesan employees remember Bp. Banks  • Bishops, priests comment on Bp. Banks  • Thirteen years as the leader draw to an end  • Bishop Banks' Corner --     Giving glory to our Father  • Editorial -- Job well done     Bp. Robert Banks has served the     church of the Diocese of Green Bay     well for 13 years

Abbot E. Thomas De Wane, O.Praem., who served as abbot of St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere, 1994-2003:

"Bp. Banks and I shared a few things in common. We have common birthdays, we have been leaders of our respective communities during many of the same years and we are laying down the mantle of responsibility at much the same time.

"I wish to thanks him personally for the great deal of support I have always received from him. In addition I can speak for the St. Norbert Abbey community in that he has always been there for us whenever we have called upon him.

"Personally I have admired his energy. Few people can appreciate the self giving involved in meeting the daily demands thrust upon the office of a bishop. Yet he did it all without a second thought and even with a smile. His Irish wit is widely appreciated and keeping up with his repartee is a challenge I have often failed. He is fun to be with."

"We can all lament the fact that these last years were difficult for him nevertheless he bore the public attention with patience and grace. I believe, in looking back on his tenure in Green Bay that we had a good and holy man to lead us."

Sr. Ann Rehrauer, OSF, president of the Franciscan Sisters of the Holy Cross, Bay Settlement, and former diocesan chancellor:

"One of the things that he's been very proud of is the alcohol policy for parish picnics. His pastoral letter on the Eucharist flows out of his love for the Eucharist.

"His support and interest in vocations - Project Andrew, Dive In, Youth Jan, Steppin' Right with Jesus. His strong support of Catholic education: through encouraging priests, encouraging parishes, finding financial solutions.

"His goal of being a singing church - I think we're better than we were.

"He's a very kind man. He tells you what he thinks, what he wants. Yet he cares about people so, if it's going to have a negative impact, he finds a way to do it gently. He says what he believes, so you didn't have to guess.

"Every six months, he would ask for a concrete evaluation ... and then he acted on the suggestions.

"He has a nice blend of business and social relationship. For example, he never drinks coffee at his desk - that's for business - yet there would be Halloween jokes like rubber arms under your desk.

"He inspired me to work hard and produce, because he was giving so much, caring so much. It was like a professor you really admired. Because he was doing so much, he called me to work hard and do my best. He trusted me to do my job. He never micro-managed. You always received a timely answer if you asked for something.

"I admired his sense of discipline. In spite of his busy schedule, he always found a way to maintain balance in his life and schedule: time for prayer; time for exercise; professional reading; his bishops' support group; work.

"Some people get caught up in how preaching sounds; some people are enamored with words. With Bishop, he thinks about his listeners first and crafts his words for real people. That's the heart of real preaching.

"Some people are good administrators; some people are good pastoral leaders. He was able to balance both, to be both. He's moving to Kewaunee, to a parish, because he wants to be pastoral and he wants to have a community to pray with."

The Rt. Rev. Russell Jacobus, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac:

"I would like to extend to you my congratulations at this time of your retirement. Your ministry to the people of the Diocese of Green Bay, as well as your ecumenical support of the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac, has been outstanding. I can only say, 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant.'

"Your ongoing support of ecumenical efforts in the northeastern part of Wisconsin has been greatly appreciated by the other judicatories. Together we have been strong witnesses to the unity that Jesus urged for all Christians.

"Best wishes in a retirement that is well deserved. Maybe we will now have more time for golf."

Bp. Jim Justman, East Central Synod of Wisconsin, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

"Bp. Banks is a wonderful partner in the Gospel. His spirit for ecumenism is strong and vibrant. I appreciate that more than words could ever say.

"Bp. Banks has been a strong colleague and friend to me in my life. I know that he prays for me and upholds me as a brother in Christ. Bp. Banks has actively supported ecumenical dialogues and celebrations that lift up our oneness in Christ.

"Bp. Banks has always been available to me in my calling and has sought to help me in any way that he could. I consider Bp. Banks to be a lifelong friend and a dear brother in Jesus. I know he will continue to work for his Lord with compassion and love wherever God calls him to serve.

"My only two complaints against Bp. Banks are these:

- He regularly beats me in our yearly golf outing;

- He has a Packer game named after his Office in the pre-season. I asked the Packers if I could have one and they just chuckled. Now is that fair? Ha!"