It hardly seems possible that I have been a Bishop for 25 years: 13 as the seventh Bishop of Salt Lake City, 12 as the eighth Bishop of Sacramento. Although very challenging at times, this special call has allowed me to witness God’s power and to facilitate pastoral life in a great many wonderful and positive ways. I give thanks to God for the many blessings and opportunities of these 25 years.
I am grateful to the lay faithful, the clergy and the religious of both dioceses for their support, prayers, patience, and kindness — but especially for their basic goodness and genuine faithfulness. I cannot imagine more talented, dedicated, faith-filled and generous people anywhere. So very many give of themselves without stint, and deeply love the Church. Only because of this and God’s grace have I been able, even remotely, to fulfill my duties as Bishop. To be the spiritual leader of this vibrant and growing Diocese of Sacramento is truly an honor, even as it was so to shepherd the Church of Salt Lake City.
I have witnessed marvels of grace beyond measure and countless signs of vitality all through these 25 years. Important ones during my 12 years in Sacramento: new or upgraded parish facilities; expansion of Catholic schools; increased circulation of The Catholic Herald; the growth of Catholic radio programming; the launching of the Catholic University of Sacramento; increased seminarians and ordination of priests and deacons; arrival of new congregations of Religious; expanded ministry to our Hispanic and other ethnic communities; a successful diocesan capital campaign and the generous sharing of time, talent, and treasure; a diocesan-wide CARA survey and collaborative pastoral planning process; a fruitful Diocesan Synod; the restoration of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament; growth in lay leadership, lay ministry, shared responsibility, and collaborative action.
The Diocese is blessed with the tireless service of Auxiliary Bishop Richard Garcia. Bishop Emeritus Francis Quinn also continues to help. More recently, retired Bishop Joseph Madera has given great assistance, as well. Without their generous service, and the support of a wonderful staff and the effective ministry of our dedicated clergy and religious, it would be impossible for me to shepherd this complex, expansive diocese.
In both dioceses I had the good fortune to follow in the footsteps of Bishops who were excellent leaders and highly respected on both the civic and diocesan levels. They established considerable credibility and visibility for the Catholic Church, upon which I have tried to build. It has been a real honor to represent the Church before the public.
It has also been gratifying to have served in several capacities on the national and international levels. As on other levels of ministry, I have given something, but I have received far more.
I cannot but recall that God has preserved my health — and more recently — restored it, permitting me to continue my episcopal ministry. It is humbling to realize how God, in spite of our limitations of all kinds, uses us to achieve his purposes.
In short, I am singularly blessed to have this unique call to serve the People of God. I look forward to our continued journey together as we, among other things, strive to implement the conclusions of our third Diocesan Synod. Both the Synod and the times we live in require us to recommit ourselves to Christ; challenge us to be an ever more authentic and vibrant Catholic presence in Northern California. I count on your prayers and support as we continue to serve the Lord and witness to one another. We have good reason, together, to face the future with confidence and hope.
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