Bishop bids farewell to diocese during Mass

By Sam Lucero
Green Bay Compass

	S p e c i a l   S e c t i o n: Shepherding God's People A Farewell to Bishop Zubik
	• Photo slideshow with audio: Bishop Zubik farewell Mass   (best viewed with a high-speed Internet connection; requires Flash plug-in) • Other articles from this special section • Previous coverage of Bishop Zubik's appointment to Pittsburgh
	Only in the Print Edition ... Articles found only in the special section of the Sept. 21, 2007 Compass print edition: • Friends from bishop's hometown recall ties • Bishop addressed four main goals while here • Farewell reflections from other bishops, community leaders     and readers • Profiles of the 11 men who have served as bishop of the     Diocese of Green Bay • Bishop David A. Zubik biography • Subscribe to print edition

GREEN BAY -- Bishop David A. Zubik sat alone in the sanctuary of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral with his head bowed in prayer Sept. 16.

Although the opening procession for his final public liturgy as bishop of Green Bay was just minutes away, the soon-to-be bishop of Pittsburgh found time for silent prayer.

For members of the diocese who turned out on a warm autumn afternoon to wish Bishop Zubik farewell, this gesture of piety is just one of the many spiritual qualities they have come to admire. While his tenure here as bishop (just under four years) was short, there was no shortage of praise offered by worshippers following the Mass.

Joining Bishop Zubik as concelebrants for the Mass of Thanksgiving were Bishops Robert J. Banks, Robert F. Morneau and Mark F. Schmitt, and priests of the diocese. A fourth degree Knights of Columbus honor guard was on hand, and the cathedral and diocesan choirs led worshippers in song.

In his homily, Bishop Zubik took the opportunity to thank members of the Green Bay Diocese for their warmth and compassion, and for helping him to grow as a leader and follower of Christ.

"Four years ago ... I came to know about you for the very first time," he said, recalling his appointment to Green Bay by Pope John Paul II.

"I was frightened, I was excited, I was unsure, I was trusting," said Bishop Zubik. "Four years later, as I stand before you, I am once again feeling the same feelings. I find myself once again stunned by the power of God's surprise. I clearly believed that I would be with you until reaching the retirement age of 75. I am surprised that I am going back to my first home in Pittsburgh to be its shepherd."

Bishop Zubik said he leaves Green Bay with a heavy, yet grateful heart.

"I no longer simply know about you. I have come to know you and, especially, to love you," he said. "I hope that my words and my deeds have reflected the landscape of my heart for you. There is so much for which I am grateful about you."

He said that the Church of Green Bay taught him to be a good leader and listener.

"You have challenged me to be courageous, in speaking out and up for the truth of the Gospel, whether that was widely appreciated or roundly denounced," he said. "The Church of Green Bay was God's way of teaching me how to listen carefully. Not simply the words from your lips, or sentiments on printed pages ... but from your particular and diverse love of the church. You challenged me to listen, especially when what you had to say didn't always ring true to my thoughts, opinions or experience."

Bishop Zubik asked members of the diocese for their prayers - and for forgiveness.

"As I leave you, please pray for me, as I do for you, that together we may never take for granted God's unconditional love," he said.

"Like the prodigal son of God's love letter today, please forgive me; for any way that I have hurt you, for any way I may have disappointed you, for any way I may have failed you, for any way I may have forgotten you, or may not have served you as God wanted and as you needed," he said.

As he concluded his homily, Bishop Zubik was greeted with enthusiastic applause, followed by a standing ovation.

At the conclusion of Mass, Bishop Morneau spoke on behalf of the diocese, thanking Bishop Zubik for advancing the mission of Jesus Christ in the Diocese of Green Bay.

"You did that through your preaching, your celebrating the sacraments for us, and through pastoral outreach," he said. "You advanced the mission by challenging us to be better stewards, through prayer services and sharing. Over the past four years, we have grown in our understanding of stewardship as an expression of discipleship through your leadership."

Bishop Morneau then led the congregation in a special prayer of blessing for Bishop Zubik.

As he processed down the main aisle at the liturgy's conclusion, Bishop Zubik waved and touched the outstretched hands of worshippers seated in pews along the aisle. A formal opportunity to greet the bishop took place in front of the Bishop Wycislo Center, where a reception took place following Mass.

Several people waiting to greet Bishop Zubik told The Compass that they would miss the bishop.

"He's so kind and down-to-earth and nothing is too much for him. He's with the common person. Those are the three traits I like about him," said a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet, who asked that her name not be used.

"I feel very saddened that he's leaving. I think he was an excellent bishop. We are new to the area, but I'm going to miss him very much," said Cecilia Mauer of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Manitowoc.

"He did a nice job here and I wish him the best of luck. I hate to see him leave, but he's got to follow his dreams, too," added Ray Lucas of Resurrection Parish in Allouez.

"I love him. I've never seen a bishop that was so in to the people and was there for everybody. He used to come over and help our parish serve our spaghetti dinner, said Mary Scheld of Ss. Peter & Paul Parish in Green Bay.

"I love him to death. I am so sad to see him go. I thought he became such a friend while we were on that trip (to Poland) together and he certainly is a servant of the people. There's no doubt about that," stated Barbara Jurkowski of Ss. Peter & Paul Parish in Green Bay.

"He's very special to my husband and me because he ordained my husband in spring as a deacon and we found him to be just a wonderful person. We're sad to see him go, said Joan Precourt of St. Paul Parish in Plainfield.

"I think everybody feels that they are one of his best friends because he makes you feel that way. Each one is important," said Fr. John Bergstadt of St. John the Baptist Parish, Howard.

As the line of people waiting to greet the bishop dwindled to several dozen, Bishop Zubik paused to sum up the day's experience.

"It was just a really extraordinary experience of prayer," he said. "It was about what the Church of Green Bay is all about."