Thoughts turn to a new bishop

By Sam Lucero
News and Information Manager

On Dec. 21 I attended the Episcopal ordination of William P. Callahan, auxiliary bishop of Milwaukee. It served as a reminder that this sacred and traditional event would soon be taking place in Green Bay.

I'm sure I wasn't the only person in attendance to think the same thing. Also present at the ordination were Bishops Robert Morneau and Robert Banks, representing the Green Bay Diocese and participating in the ordination rite. As they processed into the cathedral with other visiting bishops, it's likely that the installation of Green Bay's next bishop came to mind.

Another familiar face at the ordination was the main presider and ordaining bishop, Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy Dolan. Call it a warm-up session for Archbishop Dolan. As metropolitan of the Milwaukee Province - which encompasses all five Wisconsin dioceses - Archbishop Dolan will be the principal celebrant of the installation Mass for Green Bay's next bishop.

Many of the visiting bishops and dignitaries on hand for Bishop Callahan's ordination and installation will also be present later this year in Green Bay. And just as the Catholic Church of southeastern Wisconsin cheered and applauded as the newly installed Bishop Callahan processed around the cathedral after Communion, giving his first episcopal blessing to those in attendance, so too will the church of northeastern Wisconsin express its joy.

Excitement and wonderment always accompany the start of a new year. On this first Friday of 2008, members of the Diocese of Green Bay have something extra special to be excited about. This weekend, why not add a special intention to your silent petition of prayers at Mass? Pray that the Holy Spirit guides those who have a role in the decision-making process of selecting a new bishop. Pray that their work be conducted prayerfully and in a timely fashion, so that the spiritual welfare of God's people here in this diocese is again in capable hands of a permanent servant and shepherd.