Dear Parishioners, Over the past few weeks, I have received a few questions about the transition that is taking place with the Bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo. This is something that doesn’t happen too often in a diocese. As we prepare to welcome Bishop Elect Lohse in July, he will be the fifth Bishop that I have served under as a priest (Bishop Donovan, our first bishop, ordained me). I would like to explain the process a bit. The Holy Father selects and names a Bishop elect. Bishop Bradley’s retirement is accepted and becomes official on the day of the public announcement. At that time, it is typical, but not always the case, that the outgoing bishop will be named the Apostolic Administrator. The administrator cares for the diocese until a new bishop is installed or ordained. During the time of the administrator, the work of the diocese is “maintained” and the status quo is kept. Any new initiatives are kept for the new bishop. There usually is a period of time until the new bishop arrives. During this time, plans are being made for the installation/ordination and bishops from neighboring dioceses are invited to join this celebration. This will be held on
Tuesday, July 25, just a little over two months since the announcement. A coat of arms, and a motto will be chosen for the new bishop. The ceremonies and liturgies for a bishop are quite ornate and filled with many customs and traditions. All priests and deacons of the diocese and representatives of the people of the diocese are invited to participate as well as the Bishop’s family and friends. It is already anticipated that there will not be enough room in the Cathedral for everyone who would like to attend. Therefore, this will be a ticketed event. However, the liturgy will be livestreamed on the Diocesan website.
I could go on and on about this, but I only have so much space in my column! As the Church celebrates Corpus Christi this weekend, the Body and Blood of Christ, our priests have chosen this day to celebrate our priesthood anniversaries. After the 11:00 am Mass, please come and join us in Marian Hall for this special celebration of our 30th, 20th, and 10th anniversaries. Thanks for reading! Fr. Mark