The big news for us in the Diocese of Sacramento, as we begin the new year, is that Bishop Richard J. Garcia, our charismatic Auxiliary Bishop for the last nine years, has been appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Monterey by Pope Benedict XVI. This is great news for Monterey, but unfortunately, it means that Bishop Garcia will soon be leaving us.

This is a wonderful opportunity for Bishop Garcia and we are happy for him. He is a good choice for the Diocese of Monterey, and the people there will be well-served by him as their chief Shepherd. We congratulate Bishop Garcia, even as we thank him for his pastoral service to the Local Church of Sacramento. He will be greatly missed here.

As everyone knows, Bishop Garcia has a big heart and a great personality. He meets people easily and has become very well-known, much admired, and greatly loved throughout the diocese. He has joined me in making pastoral visits to all of our parishes and has given particular attention to the northern part of our diocese.

Bishop Garcia has given quality time to our young people in our schools and youth groups. The pastoral care of the Hispanic community and other ethnic communities has also been a priority. In addition, he served in many other capacities, including as Moderator of the Curia at the Diocesan Pastoral Center.

Bishop Garcia has represented me and the Church to countless pastoral and civic groups His engaging personality and good speaking skills have brought credit to the Church. He has also been of indispensable personal assistance to me during these nine years and I am deeply grateful.

So, what is in store for Sacramento, given Bishop Garcia’s appointment to Monterey? We can expect a replacement, in due course. This is too large and too complex a diocese for one of my age, and with my health history, to pastor alone. But it will take a number of months, probably a year, before help arrives.

In the meantime, some of the things Bishop Garcia has been doing will have to be put on hold. The more important functions, however, will be carried on in various ways. Temporary adaptations may, at times, require a bit of patience and flexibility on people’s part. We should be fine, however. The leadership teams at our parishes, institutions and diocese are strong and competent. We will also be blessed with the ongoing help of retired Bishop Joseph Madera and, periodically, the assistance of our beloved Bishop Emeritus, Francis A. Quinn.

As Bishop Garcia prepares for his transition and installation as the fourth Bishop of Monterey on Jan. 30, we wish him well and assure him of our affection, prayers and best wishes. He will continue to have countless friends and admirers here in the Diocese of Sacramento.

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