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	BLESSED SACRAMENT: Bishop David L. Ricken elevates a monstrance holding the Blessed Sacrament at the conclusion of a vespers service at St. John the Baptist Church in Howard, Wis., Aug. 27.   More ... (Sam Lucero photo)

-- Posted: 8/29/2008, 6:02 p.m. Central Time

By Jeff Kurowski
Compass Assistant Editor

HOWARD -- Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, song and the first homily by Bishop David Ricken in the Church of Green Bay highlighted Solemn Vespers, Wednesday, Aug. 27, at St. John the Baptist Church.

More than 800 faithful gathered for the service on the eve of Bishop Ricken's installation as the diocese's 12th bishop.

"It was really a celebration of the church gathered in evening prayer with the Lord present," said Bishop Ricken. "That was a great joy to me and the singing was beautiful. The whole thing was beautiful. I hope they take with them one or two words from the homily about hope, about being a participant in hope."   Full story ...

-- Posted: 8/29/2008, 6:02 p.m. Central Time

	ALL SMILES: Newly installed Green Bay Bishop David L. Ricken waves to well-wishers at the conclusion of his installation Mass Aug. 28 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. The former bishop of Cheyenne, Wyo., Bishop Ricken is 12th bishop of Green Bay. (Sam Lucero photo)

By Patricia Kasten
Compass Associate Editor

GREEN BAY -- In a ceremony steeped in tradition, full of the sights and sounds that mark the Catholic Church - along with a touch of country western music and a nod to Titletown's football heritage - Bishop David L. Ricken became the 12th Bishop of Green Bay on Aug. 28 in St. Francis Xavier Cathedral.

"With faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ, and with the love of God in my heart, I do accept the pastoral care of the people of God in the Diocese of Green Bay," the bishop said after the letter of apostolic appointment from Pope Benedict XVI was read by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio.   Full story and additional photo ...

Special Section:

Bishop David L. Ricken
-- Twelfth Bishop of Green Bay

• Lenten Giving/Easter Joy Wish List (Feb. 8)

 • 2008-09 Fall/Winter/Spring Mass Schedules

• Project focuses on family (Apr. 4)
• Ready for summer relaxation? (Mar. 21)
• Diocese eyes adult education (Mar. 14)
• Diocesan youth conference will be held March 30
    (Mar. 7)
• Program works to end domestic violence (Feb. 29)
• Workshop helps parishes manage business affairs
    (Feb. 22)
• She's keeping the faith (Feb. 15)
• Bishops' Appeal helps Catholic Charities respond to crises (Feb. 8)
   Sidebar: Bishop's Appeal at a glance
• Bishop's Appeal kicks off (Feb. 1)
   Pie chart of Bishop's Appeal use
   Sidebar: 2008 Bishop's Appeal facts