Lay Catholics remember Bp. Banks

Lay Catholics have worked with Bp. Banks on various boards and groups in the diocese. Here are the thoughts of some of them:

Mike Ariens of Holy Family Parish, Brillion, and a member of the diocesan Finance Council, Catholic Foundation and one of the first lay witnesses for Sacrificial Giving in the diocese:

"It's been a wonderful experience and a great joy to be a servant along with our priest servant Bp. Banks for so many years in his 13 years here.

	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  • Diocesan employees remember Bp. Banks  • Bishops, priests comment on Bp. Banks  • Religious leaders discuss 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

"As I think about Bishop leaving us and going into a new world I think of a great general who many years ago said, 'Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.' Bp. Banks is not going to fade away; he's going to add color.

"I thank you Bishop for your trust in Mimi and myself and all of us."

Mimi Ariens: "Bishop is organized and well-thought out. He has nice presence about him despite caring for all of us. He's a wonderful, wonderful, pastoral bishop. He went to every parish in the diocese and hosted receptions afterward so he could meet everybody. That's fantastic that he's done that."

Regarding the Catholic Foundation - "It's the beginning of an opportunity to reach out to the many needs in the Diocese. It's a very special way for a donor to do so because a donor gives a gift (and can either name a gift or can give to a need.) It is what its name says it is -- a foundation for the future."

Bill Calawerts: "I think he's done a great job with in the Diocese spiritually. His homilies are great, I always look forward to them. There's so many things that he's done.

"One of the big things he's going to be remembered for, he took camp (Tekawitha) and took it from a rough diamond to a jewel. He polished it, and when you polish you increase its value. I firmly believe its going to be one of the legacies and his name will be tied to it.

"What was really rewarding was one of my daughters went to camp and now we're sending her children. All of our grandchildren go.

Fran Frigo of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, De Pere:

"Over the past 13 years I worked with Bp. Banks on the Corporate Board of Notre Dame Academy and the approval process for the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

"Bishop always conducted a well organized meeting within the allotted time, yet encouraged all board members to express their opinions and concerns. This was always tempered with his special brand of Irish humor. When I sent nominations to him for the Order, he did a quick turn around with his approvals if he was in town; if not, soon after.

"On a personal note, I am forever grateful to Bp. Banks for the kind words he shared at Leo's funeral. Our family was most appreciative.

Don Long, president of the Catholic Foundation:

"Bp. Banks and I first met each other to discuss his thoughts in establishing the Catholic Foundation. What I really admired was his great concern for the poor. He wanted to develop a form of giving to help the diocese for years to come.

"The Catholic Foundation has been fairly successful. It currently exceeds $6 million and I could see that climbing to $25 in a couple years. All of us can be very thankful that Bp. Banks had that dream. His contributions will live on long after he's gone through the Catholic Foundation. I give him all the credit."