Welcome Bishop Michael McGovern!

Our new bishop was ordained and installed on July 22.  In just two short months, Bishop McGovern has already made a significant, positive impact on many lives throughout our diocese.  His pastoral presence, love of people, and genuine humble attitude has truly inspired me and given me great hope for our Church and diocese.  He is so caring for both us priests and all the lay persons he comes in contact with.

Bishop McGovern has already created several great initiatives in our diocese, including a ministry to young adults, very creative ideas for vocations to the priesthood, outreach to the poor, and several others.  He is a hard worker and is willing to “get his hands dirty” in getting things done for the good of our diocese and each parish.

This week, Bishop McGovern sent a letter to each household in the diocese that has not yet made a pledge to the CSMA this year, asking for support for our “Catholic Service and Ministry Appeal.”  This annual drive was launched last March but has struggled in its first six months for various reasons. 

Please join me in showing extra support for our wonderful new bishop and his hard-working initiatives by sending in your donation to this mailing that came to you this week.  I am doubling what I gave in March to show my support of him and his ministry.  Thanks for any donation or extra gift you can give to the Appeal. 

Donations to the Catholic Service Ministry Appeal can be made on line at www.diobelle.org/catholic-service-ministry-appeal.

May God bless our diocese and Bishop McGovern!

Fr. Jim Deiters