Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan
Dear Parishioners,
In a few hours I will be leaving
to participate in the installation Mass of Bishop
Dennis Joseph Sullivan at St. Agnes
Church in Blackwood, NJ. Bishop Sullivan
is the eighth bishop, serving the Diocese of Camden as its Ordinary (its leader
or head).
I can remember the rector of my
seminary telling me a long time ago that I would most likely see at least five
different bishops as Ordinary of my
diocese during my lifetime. Well, he was
certainly right!
Bishop George H. Guilfoyle was the first bishop that I actually
met. He presided at a ceremony
dedicating the new St. Ann’s School
in Wildwood, where I attended and served as an altar boy. I remember the bishop blessing the cornerstone of the school while I stood
nearby as an altar boy during the ceremony.
Many years later, Bishop Guilfoyle would be the bishop ordaining me
a priest to serve our diocese! (I have
the picture of my ordination facing me right now in my office as I write.)
Although he was not the head of
our diocese, I was friendly with Bishop
James L. Schad, the only auxiliary
bishop that Camden ever had. I would
act as the master of ceremonies for
some of the bishop’s Confirmation assignments, often driving him to and from
the various churches. During those
drives, we had the opportunity to talk about many things and I am grateful for
the many insights that the bishop shared with me. May he rest in peace!
Bishop James T. McHugh. Bishop
Nicholas A. DiMarzio, and Bishop
Joseph A. Galante all succeeded Bishop
Guilfoyle, making Bishop Sullivan
the 5th bishop that I have had as my Ordinary.
Today’s installation comes with
anticipation, hope, and enthusiasm and certainly with some important questions. How
will he be received by the priests, religious and laity of the diocese? What
will be his priorities? What can he do to help build up the diocese
after the difficult growing pains of many church and school mergers?
Will he be a good and holy shepherd
to guide us in the years ahead?
I take this time to thank Bishop Galante for his years of service
to the diocese. It was no easy task that
he attempted, trying to prepare our diocese for the future, while experiencing
failing health. (Since you will now be my “full-time” parishioner, I plan to deliver personally
your weekly collection envelopes next week. I can’t wait to see the expression on your
face! I hope you still have a sense of
humor!)
Our prayers are with you Bishop Sullivan as you begin your time here
with us. At every Mass, when we pray for
Dennis, our bishop, know that you
have our prayerful and loving support!
May God grant you good health and the necessary graces to be our
spiritual Shepherd.
Surprisingly, for all of us, we
will be led by a new pope shortly. Let
us also pray for Pope Benedict XVI
and his successor.
The times are certainly changing!
Fr.
Ed Namiotka
Pastor
Bishop Sullivan and Bishop Galante
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