Dear Parishioners, Here and there, I’m getting a few questions about “What is the new Bishop like?” Of course, like everyone else, we are introducing ourselves to the Bishop, one by one. It’s a good thing that he comes from Pennsylvania. We won’t have to teach him how to drive in the snow! Bishop Lohse is gradually starting to get things in place and understand our diocese. When he was named as Bishop Elect a few months ago, Bishop Bradley just needed to keep things running until Bishop Lohse was ordained. Now the Bishop is meeting his staff, councils, and parish priests. Soon after his ordination, the diocese’s priests had our annual Priest Picnic with the seminarians. I could tell that he was trying to remember everyone’s name and where they were from. My first pastorate was in Gull Lake and that’s where we met for the picnic. Fr. Antony and I were in the car right behind the Bishop. Since St. Ann has a setting in the woods, he wondered if he was in the right place. I had to chuckle and tell him that like several of our parishes in the diocese, they are not all located in easy to find places! As for knowing what the new Bishop is like, I’m learning a little bit more about him every time we have an opportunity to meet. I think he has figured out that I’m in Portage and have been a part of several of the diocesan councils. Maybe one of these days, I’ll even convince him to drop in for a Mass! For our students starting school this coming week, and next week, may all of you have a blessed and safe start to the school year! Thanks for reading! Fr. Mark