Table of Contents€¦ · He is Bishop Steven John Raica, until today the Bishop of Gaylord,...

Table of ContentsPress Release announcing Birmingham’s Fifth Bishop . . . . 3

Comunicado de Prensa/Press Release in Spanish . . . . . 5

Statement from Bishop Robert J. Baker . . . . . . . . 7

Statement from Bishop Steven J. Raica . . . . . . . . . 8

Curriculum Vitae for Bishop Raica . . . . . . . . . 11

Bishop Raica’s Coat of Arms . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Diocesan Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Map of the Diocese of Birmingham . . . . . . . . . 16

How Bishops are Appointed . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Symbols of a Bishop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

March 25, 2020

Birmingham has a new bishopBishop Steven J. Raica appointed as fifth bishop of Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, AL - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama has a new bishop. This morning, March 25, Pope Francis named Bishop Steven J. Raica as the fifth bishop of Birmingham. Bishop Raica is currently the Bishop of Gaylord, Michigan. He will succeed Bishop Robert J. Baker, who has served the Diocese of Birmingham since October of 2007.

The Diocese of Birmingham will hold a press conference today at 10 a.m. to introduce the new bishop. However, to protect the well-being of the press and general public during this present Covid-19 crisis, the press conference will be posted on the diocesan web page, www.bhmdiocese.org. Diocesan representatives will be available to answer any questions immediately following the 10 a.m. press conference outside the Chancery building located at 2121 3rd Ave., N., Birmingham.

With the nomination of Bishop Raica, Bishop Baker’s retirement becomes effective and he becomes bishop emeritus of Birmingham in Alabama. The Holy See has appointed him apostolic administrator of the diocese until the time of Bishop Raica’s installation. Bishop Baker issued a statement this morning welcoming his successor and pledging his “support, prayer, and collaboration” to the new bishop.

Bishop Raica, son of Mary and the late Steve Raica, was born Nov. 8, 1952 in Munising, Michigan. He has a younger brother, Joseph, who cares for their 93 year old mother near the bishop’s hometown. His father passed away in 1987.

At the age of 17, Bishop Raica left the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to attend Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Michigan State, he went on to attend St. John’s Provincial Seminary in Plymouth, Michigan where he received a master of divinity degree. He also earned a master of arts degree in religious studies from the University of Detroit.

On Oct. 14, 1978, Bishop Raica was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Lansing. After his ordination, he served as the parochial vicar for Holy Redeemer Parish in Burton, Michigan and St. Pius X Parish in Flint, Michigan until 1984. He served one year as pastor of Holy Family Parish in Ovid, Michigan before becoming the co-rector of St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing, Michigan and chaplain of Olivet College in Olivet.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact Father Douglas Vu at 205.838.8318 or [email protected]

Roman Catholic Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama2121 3rd Avenue, North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203

205.838.8322 | bhmdiocese.org

In 1988, Bishop Raica began studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome earning a licentiate and a doctorate in Canon Law. After completing his studies in Rome, he returned to Michigan in 1991 and became pastor of St. Mary Parish in Charlotte, Michigan until 1993. From 1995 to1997, Bishop Raica served as pastor of St. Ann Parish in Bellevue, Michigan. In 1997, he was made chancellor of the Diocese of Lansing, a position he held until 1999.

Shortly after becoming chancellor of the diocese, Bishop Raica was named as an Honorary Prelate of His Holiness, with the title of Monsignor, in 1998, by Pope John Paul II. A year later in 1999, he began a six year term as superior of Casa Santa Maria in Rome, which is the graduate studies house of the Pontifical North American College (PNAC). During this time in Rome, Bishop Raica also served as a spiritual director and adjunct faculty member at the PNAC.

Upon his return to the Lansing diocese in 2005, he was again asked to serve as the diocesan chancellor, where he served for 9 years. Pope Francis appointed Bishop Raica as the fifth bishop of Gaylord on June 27, 2014, and his episcopal ordination and installation took place Aug. 28, 2014 in St. Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Gaylord, Michigan, celebrated by Archbishop Allen Vigneron of Detroit. Bishop Emeritus Carl Mengeling of Lansing and Coadjutor Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Newark were the principal co-consecrators.

As a priest of the Diocese of Lansing, he also served the diocesan tribunal as the promoter of justice, a tribunal judge, and a pro-synodal judge. He has also served on several boards, including that of Faith Catholic, and as vice postulator of the sainthood cause of Servant of God Antonietta Meo, an Italian girl who, in 1937, died of cancer at the age of six.

The bishop is fluent in American Sign Language and has been involved in ministry to the deaf. He also has conversational ability in Italian and Polish and has reading capability in Spanish, French, Latin, and German.

Birmingham’s new shepherd will be welcomed with solemn vespers on Monday, June 22, the night before his installation. Both the vespers and the Mass of Installation, on Tuesday, June 23, will take place at the Cathedral of St. Paul in Birmingham. More details will be published soon about the installation events.

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25 marzo 2020

Birmingham tiene a un nuevo obispoMonseñor Steven J. Raica nombrado el quinto obispo de Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, AL – La Diócesis de Birmingham en Alabama tiene a un nuevo obispo. Esta mañana, el 25 de marzo, el Papa Francisco nombró al Obispo Steven J. Raica el quinto obispo de Birmingham. Monseñor Raica actualmente es obispo de Gaylord, Michigan. Sucederá al Obispo Robert J. Baker, quien ha servido en la Diócesis de Birmingham desde el octubre de 2007.

La Diócesis de Birmingham tendrá una rueda de prensa hoy a las 10 a.m. para presentar al nuevo obispo. Sin embargo, para proteger el bienestar de la prensa y el público durante la actual crisis del Covid-19, la rueda de prensa estará puesta en la página web diocesana, www.bhmdiocese.org.

Con el nombramiento del Obispo Raica, la jubilación del Obispo Baker tiene efecto y se vuelve obispo emérito de Birmingham en Alabama. Es más, la Santa Sede lo nombró administrador apostólico de la diócesis hasta el momento de la toma de posesión de Monseñor Raica. El Obispo Baker emitió una declaración hoy por la mañana dando la bienvenida a su sucesor y prometiendo sus “apoyo, oración y colaboración” al nuevo obispo.

Monseñor Raica, hijo de Mary y del finado Steve Raica, nació el 8 de noviembre de 1952 en Munising, Michigan. Tiene a un hermano menor, Joseph, quien cuida de su madre (que tiene 93 años) cerca de su ciudad natal. Su padre falleció en 1987.

A la edad de 17 años, Monseñor Raica dejó la Upper Peninsula (península superior) de Michigan para matricularse en la Michigan State University en Lansing, Michigan. Luego de su licenciatura en matemáticas en la Michigan State, salió para inscribirse en el St. John’s Provincial Seminary en Plymouth, Michigan, en donde cumplió la maestría en divinidad. Además obtuvo el máster en humanidades en estudios religiosos de la Universidad de Detroit.

El 14 de octubre de 1978, Monseñor Raica fue ordenado sacerdote para la Diócesis de Lansing. Después de su ordenación, sirvió como vicario parroquial en la parroquia Holy Redeemer en Burton, Michigan y en la parroquia San Pio X en Flint, Michigan hasta el 1984. Fungió como párroco para un año en la parroquia Holy Family en Ovid, Michigan, antes de hacerse co-rector de la Catedral de Saint Mary en Lansing, Michigan y capellán del Olivet College en Olivet.

PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA

En 1988, el Obispo Raica comenzó estudios en la Universidad Pontificia Gregoriana en Roma, logrando ser licenciado y doctorado en derecho canónico. Luego de acabar sus estudios en Roma, regresó a Michigan en 1991 y se hizo párroco de la Saint Mary Parish en Charlotte, Michigan hasta el 1993. De 1995 a 1997, Monseñor Raica sirvió como párroco de la parroquia Santa Anna en Bellevue, Michigan. En el 1997, fue nombrado canciller episcopal de la Diócesis de Lansing y permaneció así hasta 1999.

Apenas después de ser nombrado canciller de la diócesis, el Obispo Racia fue nombrado Prelado de Honor de Su Santidad, con el título de monseñor, en 1998, por el papa Juan Pablo II. Un año más tarde, inició un plazo de seis años como superior de la Casa Santa María en Roma, la cual es la casa de estudios de postgrado del Pontificio Colegio Norteamericano (PCN). Durante su estadía en Roma, Monseñor Raica fungió también como director espiritual y profesor adjunto del PCN.

Tras su regreso a la Diócesis de Lansing 2005, fue solicitado nuevamente a servir como canciller episcopal, lo cual hizo por unos nueve años. El Papa Francisco lo nombró el quinto obispo de Gaylord el 27 de junio de 2014, y su ordenación episcopal y toma de posesión aconteció el 28 de agosto de 2014 en la Catedral Saint Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel en Gaylord, Michigan, celebrada por el Arzobispo Allen Vigneron de Detroit. Los co-consagradores principales fueron el Obispo Emérito Carl Mengeling de Lansing y el Arzobispo Coajudator Bernard Hebda de Newark.

Como sacerdote de la Diócesis de Lansing, Monseñor Raica también sirvió en el tribunal diocesano como promotor de justica, juez y juez pro-sinodal. Sirvió además en varios consejos, incluso aquel de Faith Catholic (revista diocesana), y como vicepostulador de la causa de canonización de la Venerable Antoniet-ta Meo, niña italiana quien, en el 1937, murió de cáncer a los seis años de edad.

El obispo habla con fluidez en la lengua de signos americana y ha realizado ministerio en bien de los sordos. Además puede hablar en italiano y polaco y puede leer en español, francés, latín y alemán.

El nuevo pastor de Birmingham será acogido el lunes 22 de junio, la noche anterior a su toma de posesión, con las vísperas solemnes. Y las vísperas y la Misa de toma de posesión del día 23 de junio tendrán lugar en la Catedral de San Pablo en Birmingham. En breve, se publicarán más detalles sobre estos acontecimientos.

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For more information, contact Father Douglas Vu at 205.838.8318 or [email protected]



SOLEMNITY OF THE ANNUNCIATION - MARCH 25, 2020

Today is a very special day in the life of the Church, the Solemnity or Feast of the Annunciation, in which we commemorate the visit of the archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, when Mary was informed that she would be the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

This day is special also for the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama as the day I make a formal announcement of something happening in our diocese today. And that is the fact that I have a successor, and you have a new bishop, appointed this day by Pope Francis.

He is Bishop Steven John Raica, until today the Bishop of Gaylord, Michigan.

Before becoming Bishop of Gaylord, he served in parish ministry as parochial vicar and pastor and as co-rector of St. Mary’s Cathedral in the Diocese of Lansing. He earned a licentiate and doctorate degrees in Canon Law from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, my alma mater. From 1997 to 1999 and from 2005 to 2014 he served as chancellor of the Lansing diocese. He was superior of the Casa Santa Maria, the graduate studies house of the Pontifical North American College in Rome from 1999 to 2005. At the same time he served as a spiritual director and adjunct faculty member at the college. In addition he served the Lansing diocese’s tribunal as pro-synodal judge, the promoter of justice, and a tribunal judge. If that weren’t exhausting enough, he was involved in ministry to the deaf and is fluent in American Sign Language. He can converse in Italian and Polish and has a reading knowledge of Latin, French, Spanish, and German. What an extensive pastoral background our new bishop has!

Bishop Raica has wisely chosen to communicate with us today in person, but by distance communication from Gaylord, Michigan, in the midst of travel restrictions because of the coronavirus.

Bishop Raica’s Mass of Installation is currently scheduled for Tuesday, June 23. More details will be released as they become available.

Bishop Steven John Raica, a warm welcome to the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama as our fifth bishop. I pledge to you my continued support, prayers, and collaboration as you assume your role as our bishop. Welcome! ¡Bienvenido a la Diócesis de Birmingham en Alabama!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESTATEMENT - Bishop Emeritus Robert J. Baker



March 25, 2020

Good morning! Thank you, Bishop Baker for your kind and always thoughtful words of welcome! I understand you recently celebrated your 50th anniversary of priesthood! Hearty congratulations and ad multos gloriosque annos! I regret that I cannot be in Birmingham in person because of the current health emergency. Here in Michigan we are under a shelter in place order by the governor in order to contain the spread of the coronavirus. I think we are ok today on the social distancing factor! I am hoping to come to Birmingham as soon as it is feasible to do, so I can begin to learn more about the Diocese where I will have the honor and joy to live and serve. Let us continue to pray for the containment and abatement of devastating effects of this virus in our communities, for those who are suffering from it, and for doctors, nurses, and health care professionals who are on the front lines. At this moment in which we are separated from one another, I pray we can return more united in mission and faith.

The truth be told, the Diocese of Gaylord and northern Michigan is such a beautiful place for ministry with dense forests, the Great Lakes of Michigan and Huron and many inland lakes, skiing and golfing. The faith is strong. The clergy and faithful are committed to the mission of Christ and the Church. I never anticipated moving from here. Then, in the afternoon of Saturday, March 14 – affectionately known as π day (3.14) – I received a call from Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio. After exchanging some pleasantries, he asked if I was prepared to hear some news from our Holy Father, Pope Francis. He informed to me that Pope Francis was appointing me the Bishop of Birmingham, Alabama! Wow! I didn’t see that coming! I have never been to Alabama. I would be there today, except for the need to restrict unnecessary movement during this health emergency we are facing.

I’m a northern boy, having grown up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in a small town on the shores of Lake Superior. Most of my priestly ministry was served in the Diocese of Lansing in south central Michigan since my ordination in 1978 in Michigan until the present time. Eleven of those years, however, were spent in Rome, Italy.

Today is the Solemnity of the Annunciation! The announce-ment came to Mary through the Archangel Gabriel that she would conceive and bear a son. The world waited for her response … which was so simple and straightforward: “Fiat!” “Let it be done to me as you say!” The request of Pope Francis, to whom I have pledged my loyalty and respect, comes as he discerns for the local community of Birmingham in Alabama. Like the witness of our

STATEMENT - Bishop Steven J. Raica

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Lady, and with devotion to her, I too say “Fiat!” It is my “yes” – not to my plans but to the Lord’s call at this moment. As far as I can remember, I have never received an appointment that I ever asked for. My only desire is that God’s will be accomplished.

To all my friends and colleagues at the Pastoral Center here at the Diocese of Gaylord and the priests, religious and lay faithful, I thank you for mentoring me with great patience and wisdom. I have treasured ministry here. I know the presence of Christ is here. When I erred, you were never afraid to correct me. When I stumbled, you lifted me up. I cherish every moment: the joyful ones and, yes, the challenging ones. I would never reduce our Catholic faith down to the mistakes and errors one makes, but by the efforts to stay true to Christ and the Church! “We are not the sum of our errors,” as Pope St John Paul II said. “We are the sum of the mercy of God and the infinite love of Christ.” Each person bears an infinite dignity and it is the place where the icon of Christ is presented to the world.

In one sense, this announcement comes at an awkward moment. We are in the midst of a health emergency that has impacted literally everyone. I love the people of God here in the Diocese of Gaylord with all my heart. To announce that I am being transferred right now might lead one to think there is an abandonment. While a bishop is to take possession within two months of the announcement, I have asked that there be a delay in the installation until we are well on the downside of the health emergency. I don’t wish to abandon the clergy, religious and faithful of Gaylord at this critical moment. As it is right now, the installation will take place on June 23. In that way, I can continue to be present here during this unprecedented moment we are living.

To my new home in Birmingham, if my conversations with Bishop Baker are any indication, I think I will relish the warmth of southern hospitality and develop many new friends and colleagues. Bishop Baker was so gracious in my initial conversations with him. Again, I thank him for his faith-filled leadership, his love for the power and centrality of the Eucharist, and his desire to foster missionary disciples committed to witness the power of Christ in northern Alabama. I am also mindful of his care for the poor and the most vulnerable throughout the diocese. He may be a hard act to follow! I thank him for his faithful dedication in teaching, sanctifying and shepherding the people of the Diocese of Birmingham.

For those in the pastoral center: Your work is needed and appreciated. A bishop cannot do all the things he’s supposed to do without your help. I thank you for your generosity in helping the bishop’s mission go forward. I do look forward to working with you to ensure the message of Christ is radiant throughout the 39 counties of northern Alabama.

For the faithful of the Diocese of Birmingham I pledge my life to you. Christ is the center of my life. I also know that the Church today, as Pope Francis noted, is a lot like a field hospital – more needs than one can satisfy. Now with onset of COVID-19 ravaging our communities, we are experiencing the fullness of those prophetic words. But we also know the Lord remains with us. Although our public celebrations are suspended, our discipleship is not. It requires even greater intentionality to live the joy of the Gospel in the context in which we find ourselves.

My one plea is this: Please be patient with me as I embark on this new ministry. Allow me to look about and see how the Lord has blessed the Diocese of Birmingham and appreciate the radiance of your faith. I look forward to find my way around central and northern Alabama and learn first-hand about your

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history and your dreams as a people of faith. Then, we can accompany each other on the journey of faith as we boldly share the joy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Since I learned about this appointment, I have been praying for the priests, deacons, religious and faithful of both dioceses. I entrust everyone to the maternal care of our Lady. Whenever one leaves an assignment, especially a first assignment, it is hard to say “Goodbye.” I will dearly miss so many of the priests, deacons, religious and people throughout northern lower Michigan whom I’ve had the privilege and honor to accompany in the faith! They are truly amazing. There is a lot to love in the Diocese of Gaylord. At the same time, I am also confident that the Lord will provide a new and exciting journey of faith in Birmingham. Together we will see and experience the Lord doing some astonishing things in northern Alabama. To those who await my arrival in Birmingham, I pledge that I will give my all to you to accompany you on this amazing adventure of faith entrusted to us. If my first impressions are any indication, it will not be long before I too can say – or sing: Sweet home Alabama!

Thank you!

PERSONAL• Born: November 8, 1952, Munising, Michigan• Son of Mary (nee: Tarro) Raica and Steve J. Raica (deceased)• Sibling: Joseph J. Raica

EDUCATION• Post Graduate: Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy• Theology: St. John Provincial Seminary, Plymouth, Michigan• Graduate: University of Detroit, Detroit, Michigan• Philosophy: Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit, Michigan • Undergraduate: Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan • Secondary: William G. Mather High School, Munising, Michigan • Elementary: Sacred Heart Elementary School, Munising, Michigan

ACADEMIC DEGREES• J.C.D., Canon Law, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy, 1996• Specialization in Jurisprudence, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy, 1991• J.C.L., Canon Law, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy, 1990• M. A., Religious Studies, University of Detroit, Detroit, Michigan, 1978• M.Div., St. John Provincial Seminary, Plymouth, Michigan, 1977• B.A., Mathematics / Secondary Education, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 1973

ORDINATION/PAPAL HONORS• Ordination to the Diaconate, November 19, 1977 • Ordination to Priesthood, October 14, 1978• Prelate of Honor by Pope John Paul II, March 14, 1998 • Episcopal Ordination, Gaylord, Michigan, August 28, 2014

ASSIGNMENTS 2013 - 2014 Sacramental Assistance – St. Thomas Aquinas / St. John Church and Student

Center, East Lansing2009 - 2014 Temporary Administrators of several parishes for short duration: St. Mary, Durand; St. Mary, Charlotte; St. Anthony, Hillsdale; Resurrection, Lansing.2005 - 2014 Chancellor - Vicar General, Diocese of Lansing, Michigan1999 - 2005 Superior, Casa Santa Maria - post-graduate residence for priests, Pontifical North American College, Rome, Italy1997 - 1999 Chancellor - Vicar General, Diocese of Lansing, Michigan In residence and assistance, St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing, Michigan 1995 - 1997 Pastor, St. Ann (Quasi-Parish), Bellevue, Michigan; Chaplain, Olivet College, Olivet, Michigan; In residence and assistance, St. Casimir Parish, Lansing, Michigan1993 - 1995 Doctoral Studies in Canon Law, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy; Residence: Casa Santa Maria, Rome, Italy1991 - 1993 Pastor, St. Mary Parish, Charlotte, Michigan

CURRICULUM VITAE - Bishop Steve J. Raica

1988 - 1991 Licentiate Studies in Canon Law and Specialization in Jurisprudence, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy; Residence: Casa Santa Maria, Rome, Italy1985 - 1988 Co-Rector, St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing, Michigan 1984 - 1985 Pastor, Holy Family, Ovid, Michigan1979 - 1984 Associate Pastor, St. Pius X Parish, Flint, Michigan1978 - 1979 Deacon / Associate Pastor, Holy Redeemer Parish, Burton, Michigan

OTHER ASSIGNMENTS 2012 - 2014 Chaplain, Legatus – Lansing Chapter2007 - 2009 Vice-Postulator, Cause of the Servant of God, Antonietta Meo 2004 - 2006 Advocate ex officio, Apostolic Signatura, Vatican City State2001 - 2005 Commission Member, Congregation for Divine Worship, Vatican City State1999 - 2005 Spiritual Director and Adjunct Faculty, Pontifical North American College, Vatican City State2005 - 2009 Victim Assistance Coordinator, Diocese of Lansing 2006 - 2014 Judge, Tribunal of First Instance, Diocese of Lansing 1995 - 1999 Judge, Tribunal of First Instance, Diocese of Lansing 1991 - 1993 Judge, Tribunal of First Instance, Diocese of Lansing 1991 - 1993 Promoter of Justice, Diocese of Lansing1983 - 1986 Pro-Synodal Judge - Second Instance, Province of Detroit, Detroit, Michigan2006 - 2008 Coordinating Commission (Pastoral Planning), Diocese of Lansing 1996 - 1999 Chair, Jubilee 2000 Commission, Diocese of Lansing1996 - 1999 Ex Corde Committee, Siena Heights University, Adrian, Michigan 1978 - 1988 Liturgical Commission, Diocese of Lansing1978 - 1988 Moderator, Flint Catholic Deaf Group, Flint, Michigan 1978 - 1985 Director, Deaf Ministry, Diocese of Lansing1985 - 1988 Chaplain, Deaf Ministry, Diocese of Lansing2005 - 2014 Board Member, Faith Publishing Services, Lansing, Michigan2005 - 2014 Board Member, Youth-to-Youth Catholic Evangelization, Montrose, Michigan 2011 - 2014 Board Member, Servants of God’s Love, Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan2005 - 2014 Presbyteral Council, Diocese of Lansing (ex-officio) 1996 - 1999 Presbyteral Council, Diocese of Lansing1992 - 1993 Presbyteral Council, Diocese of Lansing2005 - 2014 Priests’ Assignment Commission, Diocese of Lansing (ex-officio) 1997 - 1999 Priests’ Assignment Commission, Diocese of Lansing2006 - 2014 College of Consultors, Diocese of Lansing1992 - 1993 College of Consultors, Diocese of Lansing

COMMITTEES2015 - Present Episcopal Moderator for National Catholic Office for the Deaf 2017 - Present Chair of Region VI Bishops2018 - Present Michigan Catholic Conference Finance Committee Chair 2018 - Present Board of Directors of Pontifical College Josephinum 2015 - 2021 Sub-committee on Native American Catholics (USCCB)

MEMBERSHIPS • Canon Law Society of America • Bishop Frederic Baraga Association • Knights of Columbus - Fourth Degree

• Alumni Association, Michigan State University• Alumni Association, Pontifical North American College • Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

INTERESTS Music: Classical, Jazz, Classical Organ and Choral; Reading: particularly writings of Msgr. Luigi Giussani; Culinary; Stratford Canada Shakespeare Festival; Italian and Polish Culture; Travel.

LANGUAGES • Conversation / Spoken: English, Italian, Sign Language, and some Polish• Celebration of Eucharist: English, Italian, Sign Language, Polish, Latin and Spanish• Reading: English, Italian, Latin, French, Spanish, some Polish, and some German

PUBLICATIONS• Doctoral Dissertation: Canon 1529: A Historical and Canonical Study. Rome: Pontificia Universitas Gregoriana, 1996. His Eminence, Cardinal Raymond Burke, Dissertation Director

NATIONALITY• Polish / Italian



Diocesan Statistics

Established in 1969 under the patronage of St. Paul, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama is missionary in nature. As Church, its ministries and outreach encompass families, parishes, schools, associations, and a myriad of programs. The diocese is spread through 39 counties over a geographic area of 28,092 square miles in the northern part of Alabama. The Diocese of Birmingham is divided into seven deaneries with 56 parishes and 19 mission churches serving 104,837 Catholics. As a mission diocese, Catholics in the diocese represent only 3% of the general population. The diocese has one cathedral, the Cathedral of St. Paul, located in downtown Birmingham. The Office of the Bishop is located at the Chancery building, also in downtown Birmingham.

DIOCESAN STATISTICS• 7 Deaneries• 56 Parishes• 19 Missions• 77 Diocesan Priests• 32 Religious Priests• 97 Permanent Deacons• 28 Religious Brothers• 105 Religious Sisters• 10 Seminarians• 15 Diocesan Elementary Schools• 4 Diocesan High Schools• 5 Catholic Hospitals• 11 Centers for Social Services• St. John Vianney Residence for Retired Priests• Camp Tekakwitha - camp with chapel, bunk houses, lake, walking trails, lodge and pool• Our Lady of Joyful Hope Community Cenacolo - a house for those struggling with addiction

BISHOPS OF THE DIOCESE1969-1987: The Most Reverend Joseph Gregory Vath, D.D.1988 -1993: The Most Reverend Raymond James Boland, D.D.1994-2005: The Most Reverend David Edward Foley, D.D.2007-2020: The Most Reverend Robert Joseph Baker, S.T.D.



INTRODUCTIONThe ultimate decision in appointing bishops rests with the pope, and he is free to

select anyone he chooses. But how does he know whom to select?The process for selecting candidates for the episcopacy normally begins at the

diocesan level and works its way through a series of consultations until it reaches Rome. It is a process bound by strict confidentiality and involves a number of import-ant players – the most influential being the apostolic nuncio, the Congregation for Bishops, and the pope. It can be a time consuming process, often taking eight months or more to complete. While there are distinctions between the first appointment of a priest as a bishop and a bishop's later transfer to another diocese or his promotion to archbishop, the basic outlines of the process remain the same.

STAGE 1: BISHOPS' RECOMMENDATIONSEvery bishop may submit to the archbishop of his province the names of priests

he thinks would make good bishops. Prior to the regular province meeting (usually annually), the archbishop distributes to all the bishops of the province the names and curricula vitae of priests which have been submitted to him. Following a discussion among the bishops at the province meeting, a vote is taken on which names to recom-mend. The number of names on this provincial list may vary. The vote tally, together with the minutes of the meeting, is then forwarded by the archbishop to the apostolic nuncio in Washington. The list is also submitted to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

STAGE 2: THE APOSTOLIC NUNCIOBy overseeing the final list of names forwarded to Rome, the apostolic nuncio

plays a decisive role in the selection process. He not only gathers facts and informa-tion about potential candidates, but also interprets that information for the Congre-gation. Great weight is given to the nuncio's recommendations, but it is important to remember that his "gatekeeper" role, however, does not mean that his recommenda-tions are always followed.

For Diocesan Bishops

• After receiving the list of candidates forwarded by a province, the apostolic nuncio conducts his own investigation into the suitability of the candidates.

• A report is requested from the current bishop or the administrator of a diocese on the conditions and needs of the diocese. If the appointment is a replacement for a diocesan bishop or archbishop about to retire, consideration will be given to the incumbent's recommendations. Broad consultation within the diocese is encouraged with regard to the needs of the diocese, but not the names of candidates.

• The report is to include the names of individuals in the diocese with whom the nuncio might consult and how to contact them.

HOW BISHOPS ARE APPOINTED

• Previous bishops of the diocese are consulted.

• Bishops of the province are consulted

• The president and vice president of the USCCB are consulted.

• If the vacancy to be filled is an archdiocese, other archbishops in the United States may be consulted.

• At this point, the nuncio narrows his list and a questionnaire is sent to 20 or 30 people who know each of the candidates for their input.

• All material is collected and reviewed by the nuncio, and a report (approximately 20 pages) is pre-pared. Three candidates are listed alphabetically – the terna – with the nuncio's preference noted. All materials are then forwarded to the Congregation for Bishops in Rome.

For Auxiliary Bishops

• A diocesan bishop must justify to the apostolic nuncio his need for an auxiliary bishop. This is easier if he is requesting a replacement for a retired or deceased auxiliary.

• The diocesan bishop prepares the terna, or list of three candidates, for his requested auxiliary and forwards it to the apostolic nuncio.

• The nuncio then conducts his own investigation of the priests on the diocesan bishop's terna, send-ing the names to Rome with a report and his own recommendations.

• On average, this part of the process may take two to six months.

STAGE 3: CONGREGATION FOR BISHOPSOnce all the documentation from the nuncio is complete and in order, and the prefect approves, the

process moves forward. If the appointment involves a bishop who is being promoted or transferred, the matter may be handled by the prefect and the staff. If, however, the appointment is of a priest to the episco-pacy, the full congregation is ordinarily involved.

A cardinal relator is chosen to summarize the documentation and make a report to the full congrega-tion, which generally meets twice a month on Thursdays. After hearing the cardinal relator's report, the congregation discusses the appointment and then votes. The congregation may follow the recommenda-tion of the nuncio, chose another of the candidates on the terna, or even ask that another terna be pre-pared.

STAGE 4: THE POPE DECIDESAt a private audience with the pope, usually on a Saturday, the prefect of the Congregation for Bishops

presents the recommendations of the congregation to the Holy Father. A few days later, the pope informs the congregation of his decision. The congregation then notifies the nuncio, who in turn contacts the candidate and asks if he will accept. If the answer is "yes," the Vatican is notified and a date is set for the announcement.

It often takes six to eight months—and sometimes longer—from the time a diocese becomes vacant until a new bishop is appointed.

©2020 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

THE BISHOP'S CHAIRThe cathedral houses the bishop's throne, or cathedra, (which is the Latin word for "seat" or "chair"). In the ancient world, the chair was not only the symbol of a teacher but also of a magistrate. Thus, the cathedra symbolizes the bishop’s role as teacher and as the governing authority of the diocese.

CROSIERThe crosier is a pastoral staff that is conferred on bishops (and abbots). The top of the staff is curved to remind the bishop of the shepherd’s crook and of his pastoral care of the people entrusted to him. It symbolizes the bishop’s duty to keep watch over his whole flock, sustaining the weak and wavering, solidifying the faith, and leading those gone astray back into the true fold.

ZUCCHETTOThe zucchetto is a skullcap worn as part of the liturgical and choir dress of the pope, cardinals, bishops, abbots and priests. During the 13th century, it was developed to cover the tonsure (portion of hair that is shaved when a man entered into the clerical state.) The pope wears a white zucchetto; cardinals, a red zucchetto; and bishops, a purple zucchetto. Black is reserved for all others.

PECTORAL CROSSThe pectoral cross is worn by the pope, cardinals, bishops and abbots. Tradition holds that reliquaries of the True Cross were worn over the heart; hence, the modern day custom of it being worn over the breast (pectus). The pectoral cross reflects the dignity of the office of bishop or abbot. The cross is either worn suspended from a ceremonial cord at liturgical services or on a chain with his clerical suit.

MITERIn the Latin Rite, the miter is the liturgical headdress for all bishops. The miter’s origins can be traced back to the 10th century. At the time it was exclusively worn by the pope; however, over the course of the next 200 years, bishops began to wear the miter as a mark of their office and authority. The miter consists of two stiffened flaps of material joined by a headband with two fringed strips hanging from the back base.

THE BISHOP’S RING With a purpose of linking the ministry of the pope to the ministry of St. Peter the Apostle, the ring was originally known as the “Fisherman’s Ring.” By the 11th century, all bishops adopted the custom as a reminder of their participation in the ministry of the Apostles. The ring also symbolizes the bishop’s fidelity to and nuptial bond with the Church, his spouse. The ring is worn at all times as a visible sign of his apostolic ministry.

SOURCE: Information adapted from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website.

SYMBOLS OF THE BISHOP

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