| > back | Bishop's Statements Transition Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Some 14 months ago, I arrived in the Santa Clara Valley to begin my ministry with Bishop Pierre DuMaine. Now, upon the retirement of Bishop Pierre, our Holy Father has called upon me to take up a new role of service and witness as Bishop of San Jose. I can only express profound gratitude for the encouragement and support offered to me by Bishop Pierre, who has built up this local church on a firm foundation that allows all of us to plan and dream for a bright future. For myself and for all the faithful people of the Church in San Jose, I offer thanks to Bishop DuMaine, a pledge of continued prayers and an open welcome in the future. It has been my pleasure and good fortune to visit nearly every parish in the Diocese of San Jose, visitations that have given me a broad understanding of and appreciation for the life of the church in this valley. In each instance, I have come away with a great regard for the dedication and zeal of the priests, religious and lay faithful who are witnessing to the presence of Christ and ministering the compassion and healing of God in our midst. I am encouraged by the quality of religious education and the Catholic schools in our diocese, where young men and women are being formed in the practice of critical judgment, motivation and a faith that will equip them to make the choices and decisions that are necessary to shape and form a better world for tomorrow. As I have prayed that the harvest master will send laborers into the vineyard, so too, I invite all the people of the Diocese of San Jose to join me in encouraging young men and women to humbly consider God’s call to share in a life of service and worship in religious communities and the priesthood. Vocations are the gift of God, but the seed must fall on fertile earth if it is to produce an abundant harvest. Let us prepare a welcome for the divine calling by reminding all young men and women of the challenges and joys that await those who serve Christ’s Church and love God’s people. Among the offices, departments and institutions of our church, I have found men and women who are firmly committed to a life of service to neighbor in witness to the love of Christ. Following the example and inspiration of Christ the Good Shepherd, these agents of the church are ministering to the poor, the weak, the alienated and those who are most in need. In all this, the Church in San Jose is an effective voice on behalf of those who lack power and influence in modern society. Also of great encouragement have been my meetings and growing relations with members of other Christian churches and representatives of diverse religious traditions. It is my hope that we will all strive for closer ties and cooperation in those areas in which, together, we may better serve God’s people. During the coming Year of Jubilee, we will together embark on a journey of discovery that we may better know ourselves, our community, and our church. When once we come to know ourselves and our Lord and know where the church must journey to meet the challenges and needs of the next millennium, then we will together discern the directions and steps that we must take in order to continue our ministry and message of Christ in the midst of the world. During this journey of discernment and discovery, it is important that the voice of the people be heard so that “together in Christ” we may give renewed witness to the Gospel of Love and the hope of our life to come. As I begin my service as shepherd and servant, I pledge to you my continued prayers for the church and look forward to opportunities to share with each of you the hope and the promise of God’s love and care. Equally, I ask your prayers for me that by the grace of God and the inspiration of the Spirit, I may always serve you in humility and love. Wishing you every grace and blessing until the return of the Lord, I remain, |
