While we're talking about all things Catholic, I have some more details on the new bishop's ordination. Everything will be held May 19 at the Convention Center.
The Cathedral looks big from the outside, but if you start bringing in family and friends of Bishop-elect Duca, all the priests/religious of the diocese, community representatives, and just Catholic folks who want to welcome their leader, it fills up quickly. So the Convention Center isn't as pretty, but we just saw that even a ballpark can be sacred space.
Mass will be at noon and a reception will follow. I'll let you know more as I hear....
Showing posts with label bishop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bishop. Show all posts
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Why is this bishop a big deal?
I went t get my haircut last night, and I was telling my hairdresser that I was exausted from all the bishop news yesterday. And she asks why is he so important? Then I got paranoid that I hadn't adequately explained it so I actually called work later to tweak the story.
And I thought I would explain a little more here. Basically a bishop is a leader of a geographical region, or diocese. He is a priest who gets promoted and is the head teacher, preacher and pastor of an area.
He is particularly important because Catholics believe in "apostolic succession." After Jesus' death, the 12 apostles spread out across the known world to preach the good news. And Catholics believe that those teachings and practices have been handed down from leader to leader ever since. If you look up former Bishop William Friend on Catholic Hierarchy (which is pretty cool, if you're into Catholic politics), you can find the bishop that ordained him, and the one who ordained that bishop, and so on all the was to the 16th century. Before that, choosing Bishops was a little less formal process, plus I'm guessing the records get foggy.
So Catholic faithful see the bishop as the person trusted by the church - past and present - to carry on its teachings and lead the people to God. In the case of Shreveport, that means supervising 44 congregations and 40,000 believers.
And I thought I would explain a little more here. Basically a bishop is a leader of a geographical region, or diocese. He is a priest who gets promoted and is the head teacher, preacher and pastor of an area.
He is particularly important because Catholics believe in "apostolic succession." After Jesus' death, the 12 apostles spread out across the known world to preach the good news. And Catholics believe that those teachings and practices have been handed down from leader to leader ever since. If you look up former Bishop William Friend on Catholic Hierarchy (which is pretty cool, if you're into Catholic politics), you can find the bishop that ordained him, and the one who ordained that bishop, and so on all the was to the 16th century. Before that, choosing Bishops was a little less formal process, plus I'm guessing the records get foggy.
So Catholic faithful see the bishop as the person trusted by the church - past and present - to carry on its teachings and lead the people to God. In the case of Shreveport, that means supervising 44 congregations and 40,000 believers.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
More from Bishop-elect Duca
The hard thing about print is you can't write everything, so here's some more excerpts from the morning events with the new bishop.
* He noted that everywhere he went people were smiling. I can verify. Everyone is thrilled to have him and I heard more than one person say something along the lines of "he's everything we wanted."
* He's Italian -- rare for a bishop in Louisiana -- and true to that he was already looking forward to trying local restaurants. Apparently, some of his family members own a deli in Dallas.
* "Every time I read something, I'm encouraged by the depth of the programs here." Duca especially noted the Greco Institute, the adult education arm of the diocese.
* Ecumenism has been part of his ministry for several years. He is part of the American Religious Town Hall meeting TV program, which brings ministers of several faiths to discuss issues.
* Being a shepherd means he will "walk with the people, not so far ahead that they have to look up to you."
* He also celebrated his first Mass, surprising some of the regulars at the Cathedral's noon service. It was his first time to wear the purple (pink?) skull cap of the bishop, which he was a little resistant to until he was assured it was appropriate.
* In his homily, he referred to the first reading assigned for today from Acts, which talks about the early Christians sharing everything they owned.
"Those who are ordained are ordained to share that gift with the whole community," he said. "You begin to understand its not with the parish, or the diocese but the whole church. I am beginning to experience that kind of giving. I do that with a joy in my heart...."
"When we are faithful to our commitments they will drag us through life in an unexpected way.. I pray I will be everything God wants me to be and everything you desire for a bishop."
* He noted that everywhere he went people were smiling. I can verify. Everyone is thrilled to have him and I heard more than one person say something along the lines of "he's everything we wanted."
* He's Italian -- rare for a bishop in Louisiana -- and true to that he was already looking forward to trying local restaurants. Apparently, some of his family members own a deli in Dallas.
* "Every time I read something, I'm encouraged by the depth of the programs here." Duca especially noted the Greco Institute, the adult education arm of the diocese.
* Ecumenism has been part of his ministry for several years. He is part of the American Religious Town Hall meeting TV program, which brings ministers of several faiths to discuss issues.
* Being a shepherd means he will "walk with the people, not so far ahead that they have to look up to you."
* He also celebrated his first Mass, surprising some of the regulars at the Cathedral's noon service. It was his first time to wear the purple (pink?) skull cap of the bishop, which he was a little resistant to until he was assured it was appropriate.
* In his homily, he referred to the first reading assigned for today from Acts, which talks about the early Christians sharing everything they owned.
"Those who are ordained are ordained to share that gift with the whole community," he said. "You begin to understand its not with the parish, or the diocese but the whole church. I am beginning to experience that kind of giving. I do that with a joy in my heart...."
"When we are faithful to our commitments they will drag us through life in an unexpected way.. I pray I will be everything God wants me to be and everything you desire for a bishop."
Coincidence?
The pope's mission prayer intention for the month of April is "That the future priests of the young Churches may be constantly more formed culturally and spiritually to evangelise their nations and the whole world."
And the same day he names the rector of a seminary to lead the Diocese of Shreveport. I think Benedict is trying to tell us something...
And the same day he names the rector of a seminary to lead the Diocese of Shreveport. I think Benedict is trying to tell us something...
First impressions
So far the news is good for Bishop-elect Michael Duca, as he marks the halfway point in his whirlwind, introductory tour of the diocese.
The Catholic Center was all smiles and twitters this morning as people through around words and phrases like affable, easy going, extroverted, perfect match and mission minded to describe the new bishop of Shreveport. Duca first appeared at a press conference and seemed very comfortable behind the microphone and willing to answer questions.
It could just be he was thrilled to finally admit the news. The papal nuncio called him two and a half weeks ago, and he was sworn to secrecy.
He also looked a little overwhelmed, like he was still trying to figure out exactly what he does next, but that's understandable. From what he said, he's clearly a man who believes God will lead him as he goes.
The Catholic Center was all smiles and twitters this morning as people through around words and phrases like affable, easy going, extroverted, perfect match and mission minded to describe the new bishop of Shreveport. Duca first appeared at a press conference and seemed very comfortable behind the microphone and willing to answer questions.
It could just be he was thrilled to finally admit the news. The papal nuncio called him two and a half weeks ago, and he was sworn to secrecy.
He also looked a little overwhelmed, like he was still trying to figure out exactly what he does next, but that's understandable. From what he said, he's clearly a man who believes God will lead him as he goes.
Bishop watch comes to conclusion
Monsignor Michael Duca, rector of the Holy Trinity Seminary in Iring, Texas, will be the new bishop of the Diocese of Shreveport.
Here is the official announcement from the Vatican (the English version should be posted later this morning. And here is a little more scoop on the new shepherd from the ever-present and very helpful Rocco Palmo.
Bishop-elect Duca should be present at this morning's press conference and I'll certainly have more to share here and at shreveporttimes.com.
UPDATE: Here's the official release from the Diocese of Dallas.
Here is the official announcement from the Vatican (the English version should be posted later this morning. And here is a little more scoop on the new shepherd from the ever-present and very helpful Rocco Palmo.
Bishop-elect Duca should be present at this morning's press conference and I'll certainly have more to share here and at shreveporttimes.com.
UPDATE: Here's the official release from the Diocese of Dallas.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Church secrets
Catholicism is known for its ability to keep secrets -- sometimes it's understandable. Sometimes it's unnecessary, and sometimes, according to Bishop Randolph Calvo of Reno, Nev., it's funny.
He was trying to make the point about the difference between secrets and confidential information, so Calvo told the story about when he found out he would be bishop.
It was a few weeks before Christmas in 2005 and he came rushing into his office before a pre-school Christmas pageant and didn't even look at his phone messages. His secretary called his attention to one in particular an urgent message from the Archdiocese of Washington DC. Flustered, he called the number and a woman answered "hello."
"Is this the archdiocese of Washington?" Calvo inquired.
"No, this is the papal nunciature."
"Oh."
The papal nuncio (the pope's representative in the U.S.) got on the phone and informed Calvo he had been chosen by Pope Benedict XVI as the new bishop of Reno. All Calvo could do was mumble appreciation. Then came the hard part -- it couldn't be official until a bishop was named in San Francisco, which oversees Reno. And the nuncio let him in on a "papal secret." The announcement would be "soon." Now, Calvo was left remembering his time in Italy where soon could be today, tomorrow or three weeks from now.
Lucky for him the announcement came the next day. Calvo still couldn't say anything. In his first meeting with the new archbishop and other priests, he kept scanning the face of the bishop for any sign that he knew of Calvo's new job. After the meeting, the men met privately, and Calvo finally asked "Do you know something I know?" The bishop knew.
It only got worse as he had to excuse himself from saying a funeral Mass and leave a water main break in someone else's hands all without explanation.
"That kind of secrecy I can't describe," he said.
I can only hope someone around here is holding onto a similar secret...
He was trying to make the point about the difference between secrets and confidential information, so Calvo told the story about when he found out he would be bishop.
It was a few weeks before Christmas in 2005 and he came rushing into his office before a pre-school Christmas pageant and didn't even look at his phone messages. His secretary called his attention to one in particular an urgent message from the Archdiocese of Washington DC. Flustered, he called the number and a woman answered "hello."
"Is this the archdiocese of Washington?" Calvo inquired.
"No, this is the papal nunciature."
"Oh."
The papal nuncio (the pope's representative in the U.S.) got on the phone and informed Calvo he had been chosen by Pope Benedict XVI as the new bishop of Reno. All Calvo could do was mumble appreciation. Then came the hard part -- it couldn't be official until a bishop was named in San Francisco, which oversees Reno. And the nuncio let him in on a "papal secret." The announcement would be "soon." Now, Calvo was left remembering his time in Italy where soon could be today, tomorrow or three weeks from now.
Lucky for him the announcement came the next day. Calvo still couldn't say anything. In his first meeting with the new archbishop and other priests, he kept scanning the face of the bishop for any sign that he knew of Calvo's new job. After the meeting, the men met privately, and Calvo finally asked "Do you know something I know?" The bishop knew.
It only got worse as he had to excuse himself from saying a funeral Mass and leave a water main break in someone else's hands all without explanation.
"That kind of secrecy I can't describe," he said.
I can only hope someone around here is holding onto a similar secret...
Monday, November 19, 2007
Bishop watch: Military edition
To all you Catholics at Barksdale AFB, you have a new bishop. This just in from the Vatican:
Pope Benedict XVI appointed "Archbishop Timothy Paul Broglio, apostolic nuncio to the Dominican Republic and apostolic delegate to Puerto Rico, as military ordinary for the United States of America."
The 55-year-old is originally from Cleveland and was ordained in 1977. He replaces Archbishop Edwin O'Brien, who now leads the Diocese of Baltimore.
Pope Benedict XVI appointed "Archbishop Timothy Paul Broglio, apostolic nuncio to the Dominican Republic and apostolic delegate to Puerto Rico, as military ordinary for the United States of America."
The 55-year-old is originally from Cleveland and was ordained in 1977. He replaces Archbishop Edwin O'Brien, who now leads the Diocese of Baltimore.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Bishop watch from a very good source
One of the highlights of the RNA conference was a panel featuring Rocco Palmo, author of the Whispers in the Loggia blog. I've referred to him before, but Palmo is a 20-something from Philadelphia who has somehow managed to befriend of all kinds of higher ups in the Roman Catholic hierarchy. They tell him all sorts of news and he tells the rest of us.
Professional religion journalists approached him with a little awe and fascination and a slight undertone of jealousy. As Michael Paulson, Pulitzer-prize winning reporter from the Boston Globe, put it: "Rocco, who are you?" After the panel, I introduced myself, especially since I talked to Palmo around the time Shreveport Bishop William Friend retired. Palmo was a very gracious young man, who does love his church.
I also had a few seconds to pick his brain about recent bishop appointments. The good news is he said the time between retirements and appointments is getting shorter. As well, Palmo said the Papal Nuncio, Pietro Sambi (who is sort of the gatekeeper in the process - he sends the nominations to Rome so the Pope can pick a new bishop) is adamant about getting bishops who are pastors as well as administrators. In other words, he doesn't want guys who spent six months in a church and the rest of their careers locked up in the diocesan offices.
The bad news is we probably still have to wait for an appointment in Little Rock before Shreveport becomes a priority.
Professional religion journalists approached him with a little awe and fascination and a slight undertone of jealousy. As Michael Paulson, Pulitzer-prize winning reporter from the Boston Globe, put it: "Rocco, who are you?" After the panel, I introduced myself, especially since I talked to Palmo around the time Shreveport Bishop William Friend retired. Palmo was a very gracious young man, who does love his church.
I also had a few seconds to pick his brain about recent bishop appointments. The good news is he said the time between retirements and appointments is getting shorter. As well, Palmo said the Papal Nuncio, Pietro Sambi (who is sort of the gatekeeper in the process - he sends the nominations to Rome so the Pope can pick a new bishop) is adamant about getting bishops who are pastors as well as administrators. In other words, he doesn't want guys who spent six months in a church and the rest of their careers locked up in the diocesan offices.
The bad news is we probably still have to wait for an appointment in Little Rock before Shreveport becomes a priority.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Changes at St. Mark's
A bishop will be coming to Shreveport's Episcopal Community as the interim dean (pastor) of St. Mark's Cathedral. He will begin Aug. 19 to take the place of the retired Rev. M.L. Agnew until at least the end of the year.
According to the church bulletin, Bishop Gethin Hughes, 64, was born to a faithful family with a love of the ministry. His father was a minister and his two brothers are also priests.
He studied at Exeter University and Wycliffe Hall Theological College in England, and Seabury-Western Seminary in Evanston, Ill. He returned to Wales for ordination and service in a suburban parish.
In 1969, with his bride and new daughter Hughes and his family settled in his wife's hometown of Los Angeles. Over the next two decades he worked his way up the ranks of the church while serving various parishes in Southern California.
He was elected the third bishop of the Diocese of San Diego in 1991. In his 14 years there, he served 53 congregations and opened new ministries particularly for the Hispanic community. Church attendance increased 30 percent during his tenure and he established ecumenical and interfaith relationships with other religious communities.
For the national church he is on the Board of The Anglican Digest, and since 1997 has been Chair of the Episcopal Church Building Fund.
He retired in 2005 and moved to Buellton, Calif., with wife, Lenore.
Welcome to Shreveport Bishop Hughes!
According to the church bulletin, Bishop Gethin Hughes, 64, was born to a faithful family with a love of the ministry. His father was a minister and his two brothers are also priests.
He studied at Exeter University and Wycliffe Hall Theological College in England, and Seabury-Western Seminary in Evanston, Ill. He returned to Wales for ordination and service in a suburban parish.
In 1969, with his bride and new daughter Hughes and his family settled in his wife's hometown of Los Angeles. Over the next two decades he worked his way up the ranks of the church while serving various parishes in Southern California.
He was elected the third bishop of the Diocese of San Diego in 1991. In his 14 years there, he served 53 congregations and opened new ministries particularly for the Hispanic community. Church attendance increased 30 percent during his tenure and he established ecumenical and interfaith relationships with other religious communities.
For the national church he is on the Board of The Anglican Digest, and since 1997 has been Chair of the Episcopal Church Building Fund.
He retired in 2005 and moved to Buellton, Calif., with wife, Lenore.
Welcome to Shreveport Bishop Hughes!
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