June 5, 2009
The Bishop's Forum
June and Summer 2009
by Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger
Annually I take a hiatus from this forum for the summer. I will resume it again in September. Meanwhile, there are several significant items that I wish to make known to you.
With great joy I am privileged to ordain Deacon Ryan Hilderbrand to the Holy Priesthood on June 6, 2009. He will assume his first assignment as an associate pastor on June 24, 2009.
New Priestly Assignments are published this week.
The Strategic Planning Task Force continues the process of deciding on a consultant to guide the Planning Process.
I will attend the annual June meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in San Antonio, Texas, from June 17-19, 2009.
I will participate in the annual Philmont Training for Scouting in the Catholic Church and remain as Chaplain at Philmont until August 7, 2009.
On August 10, 2009 I will celebrate the “Back to School Mass” at Mater Dei.
On August 15, 2009, I am privileged to be able to ordain 12 married men as permanent deacons for the Catholic Diocese of Evansville.
Region VII Retreat for Bishops take place on August 16-20. (Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin)
It is obvious from the above that I will be physically absent from the diocese for an extended period this summer, however, I will never be further away than the phone or e-mail. If necessary, I will immediately come home for emergencies. Upon my return in early August, I will assume my regular assignments. God willing, this column will reappear on Friday, September 4, 2009.
You should know that the Little Sisters of the Poor have been very kind and helpful to me as the Bishop of Evansville and to our priests and laity. Their Foundress, Blessed Jean Jugan will be Canonized in Rome on October 10, 2009.
To honor them and their kindness I plan to concelebrate that moment with the Holy Father in St. Peter’s Square on that day.
You should also know that in light of our diocesan budget cutback, I will do this at my own expense. My presence at the Canonization of their Foundress is my gift to the Little Sisters of the Poor at St. John’s Home here in Evansville. I am both so very proud and most grateful to our own Little Sisters of the Poor in our presence.
Have a Blessed Summer! Let us continue to pray each for the other!