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Bishop's Message

I thank God for the opportunity of serving

Dear Friends in Christ,

With the warm, fond memories of Thanksgiving still fresh in my mind, I never thought that I would find myself reflecting on these past 15 years as I have for the last month or so. I remember only too well arriving here in El Paso with a sense of anxiety, a transplant from Southern California, not knowing a soul. But, as others have also found, that anxiety melted away quickly. I found myself as bishop of a wonderful Catholic community, thoroughly embued with the richness of our Hispanic heritage. The many different faces in God’’s Church in El Paso made me feel that welcome and spirit of hospitality for which we are well known.

As I now prepare to take on a whole new pastoral challenge as the bishop-designate of the Diocese of Fresno in central California, I do so with an open, yet very heavy, heart. How will I ever be able to thank you, my diocesan family of El Paso, comprised of so many faith-filled , talented and gifted clergy, members of consecrated life, and laity? You have patiently accompanied me on this amazing journey and have allowed me to exercise my ministry in the spirit of collaboration and servant leadership. I will always thank God for the opportunity of serving you as your bishop for the last 15 years , and be assured that I will cherish that experience as I bring it in prayer to the altar of the Lord.

For the past three years or so, El Paso has had the reputation of being conjoined to Ciudad Juarez by the on-going violence in our sister city. While it is true that so many of our families have been directly affected by the reality across the border, it is also true that our diocese has also been enriched by many of our recent arrivals, especially our youth and young adults.

As we approach the solemnity f the Epiphany of the Lord, the feast that commemorates the coming of the Word in the world and his revelation to all the nations, may we all, like the Magi ““….depart for their own country by another way.”” (MT 2:12) Our Holy Father has designated the fall of 2012 as beginning a Year of Faith. My prayer for each one of you is that you might enter this year ready and willing to evangelize, to spread the Good News of the Risen Lord ““…by another way.”” That way will be indicated by my successor in the foreseeable future.

My prayers will be with and for you, and let us remember to pray for one another.

Sincerely in Christ,

Bishop-designate of Fresno