Have you ever been shocked and surprised to the point that you were rendered speechless?
Well, that experience happened to me on Monday, November 9, 2020, at 1:40 p.m. on the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran. You see my phone rang and on the other end was the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, otherwise known as the Holy Father’s representative in the United States. He asked me if I was alone, which I was. And then he told me to sit down. As I sat down the Archbishop said, “The Holy Father has appointed you bishop of Youngstown.”
I was totally speechless, so much so, that the good Archbishop said, “Hello, Hello,” I responded with a few “Hellos” followed by a series of “Wows.” He said, “You do accept, don’t you?” After apologizing for the stunned silence, I replied, “By the grace of God and in total humility I accept this appointment.”
Wow! I was just minding my own business on a Monday afternoon and suddenly my life changed. Life truly is lived in the ordinary. Although I have faced many transfers in my 32 years of priesthood, this change is surprising and unique because I am being transferred not by my bishop but by the Holy Father. It is so humbling. I cannot even put it into words. For the last week, the only person with whom I could speak to about this matter was Bishop Zubik who brought me so much comfort and peace. Not only did he pray with me on the phone shortly after the Nuncio called, but he came to Saint Alphonsus rectory on Sunday afternoon with a gift bag that included a zucchetto and some other things that bishops use. Above all, he prayed with me in our private chapel. We prayed for the Church of Pittsburgh and what will be my new home, the Church of Youngstown.
I must confess that I have some sadness leaving this diocese which has been my home. I have always been proud to be a Pittsburgh priest. I will miss my brothers in the priesthood and diaconate. I also have a particular sadness in knowing that I will be leaving you, the clergy, staff, and faithful of Saint Aidan Parish. We were really putting things together even in the face of a pandemic. I have grown to love you and this wonderful community of Wexford. There is a strong foundation in place with a dedicated clergy in Fr. Will, Deacon Jeff and Deacon Al, a new and passionate staff, a committed Finance Council and Pastoral Council. God willing, in January, the new pastor will be able to bless the three statues of our beloved patron, Saint Aidan which will be placed in each church as well as the parish office. I want to thank parishioner Lea Ravotti for her rendering of the artwork for the statue.
I have asked Bishop Zubik to come and celebrate Mass with our community on Sunday, December 6 at 10:00 a.m. in the parking lot of Saint Alexis. I very much want his blessing as I prepare to assume these new responsibilities.
I will be leaving the parish on Monday, December 28th so that I can move into my new residence and make a retreat before my ordination and installation as the 6th bishop of Youngstown on Tuesday, January 12, 2020. In the meantime, I remain your pastor and am committed to serving you until I leave. The bishop in consultation with the Clergy Personnel Board will name a new pastor in due time.
I am thrilled to become the next bishop of Youngstown. I cannot wait to serve the clergy and faithful of that diocese which has about 200,000 Catholics,
Please pray for me in these days of transition. Pray that I will be a Good Shepherd. Know that you will always be in my prayers. Watch out for those surprises.
Finally, we are hoping to begin a new ministry. We are in need of some people to make baptismal bibs for the infants who are to be baptized. We have an easy to follow pattern. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, please email MaryEllen at [email protected] or call the parish office.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!