Thirteen years as the leader draw to an end

VISITING PEOPLE: During his 13 years in Green Bay, Bp. Robert Banks visited all the parishes and particularly liked meeting children, as he did at the Rural Life Mass in Chilton in 2002. (Rick Evans photo)

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

After serving 13 years as the head of the Green Bay Diocese - including the last two months as diocesan administrator - Bp. Robert Banks will turn over control of the Church of Green Bay to his successor, Bp. David Zubik, on Dec. 12.

Bp. Banks' accomplishments as bishop include writing pastoral letters on the Eucharist and stewardship, visiting every parish, confirming thousands of high school students, starting the Catholic Foundation and guiding the diocese through Renew 2000 as part of spiritual renewal for the new millennium.

And that's just for starters. But, he protested, "Frankly, I am not a person who thinks much about accomplishments or legacy, and the past is past."

Those who have worked closely with Bp. Banks over the years, speak of his collaborative leadership, his love of the Eucharist and the church, his support of priests, his enjoyment of sports and his sense of humor.   Full story ...

	Mass Times 2003 Fall / Winter Mass Schedules (from Sept. 5 issue)

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  • 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

Advent
• Tom Rinkoski --     Advent abounds with great ironies  • Reflection on the Readings --     'Prophets' enrich our Advent journey  • Explaining the Scripture --     'Day of the Lord' brings completion		• Foundations of Faith --     Christmas carol serves as a good mind game Advent articles from previous Compass Online issues: • November 28, 2003 issue • November 21, 2003 issue

 • Bishop Banks' Corner --
    Giving glory to our Father

 • Reflection on the Readings by Auxiliary Bishop Morneau --
    December 7, 2003: 'Prophets' enrich our Advent journey (Advent)

 • Explaining the Scripture by Fr. Richard Ver Bust --
    December 7, 2003: 'Day of the Lord' brings completion (Advent)

 • Editorial -- Job well done
    Bp. Robert Banks has served the church of the Diocese of Green Bay well for 13
    years

 • Editorial -- A welcome return
    Compass is reprinting Scripture columns

 • Foundations of Faith --
    Christmas carol serves as a good mind game (Advent)

 • Saint of the Day --
    This pope got carried away

 • Tom Rinkoski --
    Advent abounds with great ironies (Advent)

 • Calendar of Events

S p e c i a l   C o v e r a g e : Bishop David Zubik named 11th bishop of Green Bay

November 21, 2003 issue:      • Pittsburgh planning farewell Mass for Bishop Zubik Sunday    November 14, 2003 issue:      • Visits scheduled for bishop         Bp. Zubik planning visits to Manitowoc, Antigo, Marinette, Green Bay         and Appleton    November 7, 2003 issue:      • Bp. Zubik to be installed Dec. 12 at St. Agnes         The 2 p.m. Mass will be shown live on Green Bay channel 11    Other coverage:      • Links to Oct. 10 and Oct. 17 Compass coverage of new Bishop