Dear Parishioners, We have a new Bishop! When a new Bishop begins, it’s especially tricky when the priest prays for the new Bishop during the Eucharistic Prayer. It is very easy to slip up and still say the name of the former Bishop. Thank goodness for sticky notes! All these little reminders that we use help us to see that there is a new apostle among us.
From the earliest days of the Church, the Apostles were always the spiritual Fathers and guides for the community. Not only were they the primary teachers of the faith, but they also needed to make sure that the spiritual welfare of their church communities was met. They had to help their congregations to grow in faith, as well as preserve the faith and the teachings of Christ. They also needed to show courage and be a great witness, especially as the Church faced times of persecution. As the original apostles died out, these first Bishops realized that there needed to be a process of choosing a new Bishop for each Church community. This is what we know and refer to today as Apostolic Succession. This is what we just witnessed this past week as Bishop Lohse succeeded Bishop Bradley.
What does a “retired” Bishop do? They get to enjoy being a priest again without all the weight of administration for a diocese and a church community. They also don’t have to go to meetings or Bishop’s conferences! Often, they fill in for daily and weekend Masses as well as celebrate the Sacraments (so that priests might get a vacation day or two). Occasionally, they will be called upon to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation. Some will remain in their diocese (as Bishop Bradley has chosen to do) or others may return home to their family.
May the Lord bless Bishop Lohse as he seeks to shepherd his new flock: The Diocese of Kalamazoo!