The Journeyman

His general intention is "That the Christians of the Middle East may live their faith in full freedom and be an instrument of peace and reconciliation."

His mission intention is "That the Church may be the seed and nucleus of a humanity reconciled and reunited in God's one and only family, thanks to the testimony of all the faithful in every country in the world."

I'm a few days late on this one, but for the year ending December 31, 2008, the Knights of Columbus has set an all-time record for money donated and time volunteered.

While the Knights of Columbus, as a national organization, as local councils and the men as individuals are all far from perfect, we are men dedicated to charity.

Fulltext of the press announcement below:

The Knights of Columbus announced June 12 that it set new all-time records for charitable donations and volunteer service hours in 2008. Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson released the results of the Order's annual survey in a presentation to its board of directors and state leaders, meeting at its international headquarters in New Haven.

The results of the Knights' annual Survey of Fraternal Activity for the year ending December 31, 2008, indicate that, despite the economy, total charitable contributions reached $150,036,865 - exceeding the previous year's total by more than $5.1 million. The figure includes $32,295,376 donated by the Supreme Council, and $117,741,489 in contributions from state and local councils assemblies and Squires circles.

The survey also indicated that the quantity of volunteer service hours to charitable causes by Knights grew to 68,783,653 - an increase of 87,885 hours compared to the 2007 total. There were more than 413,000 Knights of Columbus blood donations during the year and, among the most common service programs, Habitat for Humanity received 156,295 K of C volunteer hours.

The Knights of Columbus has been promoting a Year of the Volunteer and sponsored a summit on volunteerism, A Nation of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, in New York Feb. 27, to promoted increased participation and collaboration in volunteer efforts from individuals and organizations.

Cumulative figures show that during the past decade, the Knights of Columbus has donated more than $1.325 billion to charity, and provided nearly 626 million hours of volunteer service in support of charitable initiatives.

Watch this to find out:

Personally, based on this, I think he is nerd enough for me.

So, we no longer have Bishop Aymond. Archbishop-Elect Aymond is the new archbishop, but he isn't installed until August 20th? Who's in charge? What's going on.

Canon law is here to help.

From today until August 20th (or probably August 19th, since the action of taking canonical possession typically happens during a Vespers the night before), Archbishop-Elect Aymond will officially be the "diocesan administrator" of Austin (as opposed to "bishop") and the office of Vicar General ceases. Currently, that role is held by Msgr. Mulvey, but he was stepping down from that position next month as he's moving on to help with formation at the seminary in Houston.

I'm not certain, but my assumption is Archbishop-Elect's Aymond's appointment of Vicars General that were to be effective next month are now void.

The Diocese of Austin will not be officially "vacant" until takes possession of New Orleans.

When that occurs, the College of Consultors, within eight days of the vacancy, elects a Diocesan Administrator until a new bishop can be appointed. If they cannot (for whatever reason) elect someone in that time, then the Metropolitan, in this case, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston names the Diocesan Administrator.

The Diocesan Administrator must be a priest who is 35 years old or older "who is outstanding in doctrine and prudence".

The Diocesan Administrator has the power of Bishop, except in those matters where the law reserves it to an actual sitting bishop or by their nature (i.e. Sacrament of Holy Orders).

Canon Law is quite clear that this is a stewardship position, that is, one where nothing should be changed or amended that would inhibit the incoming bishop from carrying out his new role. For example, if there is a punishment due to sin (i.e. excommunication) that is within the power of the bishop to life, the Diocesan Administrator can do so. The Diocesan Administrator should not, on the other hand, merge all of the parishes of the diocese into two megaparishes.

Once the new bishop takes possession of the vacant see, the role of the Diocesan Administrator ends.

More later, as always.

The first statements have been released, with more at a 4 p.m. press conference here in Austin.

First, the Archbishop-Elect wrote a letter to the Diocese of Austin:

Dear Brother Priests, Friends and Co-workers in Ministry:

This letter is very difficult to write. I wish I could communicate this message personally, but that is not possible.

I have been informed by Archbishop Sambi, the Apostolic Nuncio, that our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has named me Archbishop of New Orleans.

Needless to say, this appointment creates in me very mixed feelings. I have been privileged to serve as the Bishop of Austin for the last nine years. Central Texas has become home. I have worked with a great group of priests who have become my brothers. The deacons, religious, diocesan and parish staffs have been most supportive and genuine co-workers in ministry. I have enjoyed our ministry together and being a part of this vibrant, fast-growing diocese. I am very grateful to God and to each of you.

I also feel humbled that the Holy Father has asked me to serve as Archbishop of New Orleans. In recent years, the city has gone through many changes and I am aware of the challenges ahead.

Today I write primarily to thank you for your ministry and to request your prayers for me in this time of transition.

This morning I will be in New Orleans for a news conference at 10:30 a.m. and return to Austin for a conference at 4 p.m.

In the near future, I will schedule a "Mass of Thanksgiving" in four areas of the Diocese to express my gratitude to God and to you for the privilege of serving as the Bishop of Austin.

I will be in Rome to receive the pallium, a symbol of the ministry of the Archbishop, on June 29, the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.

The installation in New Orleans is on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009 at 2 p.m.

I hold you and all the people of this diocese in my heart and in prayer. Please lift me to God in your prayers.

Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond
Bishop of Austin

In the Archdiocese, with an new appended title, Archbishop Emeritus and Apostolic Administrator Hughes shared a few words about Abp-Elect Aymond as part of his farewell letter:

I rejoice at the announcement in Rome today that Our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Archbishop-designate Gregory Aymond the fourteenth Archbishop of New Orleans. Welcome home, Archbishop Aymond. You are no stranger to us all. You are the first native son to be called to shepherd this wonderful Archdiocese. Archbishop Aymond will be installed on August 20 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Louis Cathedral.

Archbishop Aymond was born in New Orleans on November 12, 1949. He attended St. Joseph Seminary College and completed his theological studies at Notre Dame Seminary where he earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1975. From the beginning Archbishop Hannan recognized Father Aymond=s special gifts. He appointed him to teach at St. John Vianney Prep Seminary where he not only taught but then became its rector. Archbishop Schulte missioned Father Aymond to Notre Dame Seminary in 1981. He served first as Director of Pastoral Formation and then Rector of Notre Dame Seminary from 1986-2000. In 1997 Pope John Paul II appointed Monsignor Aymond Auxiliary Bishop in New Orleans. Then in 2000 he appointed him to serve the Diocese of Austin, Texas.

Archbishop Aymond brings a rich background in Catholic education. While simultaneously serving as Rector of Notre Dame Seminary, he held the post of Executive Director of Christian Formation. In that role, he oversaw the Catholic Schools, Religious Education, Campus Ministry, the Youth Office and the Office for the Pontifical Mission Societies. On the national scene he has been recognized as a leader in Catholic education and serves now as the Chairman of the Board of the National Catholic Education Association.

In Austin, Texas, Bishop Aymond presided over significant growth in parishes and schools. The campus ministry in the Diocese of Austin is a model for outreach to young adults of college age. Archbishop Aymond brings a lively faith, a keen intelligence and

I will now serve as the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese until the installation on August 20. As I prepare to conclude my service as Archbishop of New Orleans I want to acknowledge the extraordinary sacrifices which people around me have had to make. I came in May 2001. These eight years have been rather turbulent. Extraordinary people in leadership around me have given of themselves unstintingly to address a series of challenges. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 rocked our nation. The clergy sex abuse crisis rocked our Church. Hurricane Katrina rocked New Orleans and the surrounding Gulf Coast area. Reconfiguration of the parishes and schools has rocked this Archdiocese. Now the economic downturn has rocked the global economy. In each case, faith-filled, competent men and women have stepped forward to lead our Church response.

The difficult decisions that I have been called upon to make have been made after careful consultation and prayerful discernment. Inevitably there will be those who differ with me. I want to express my sorrow for the pain that has been experienced and ask forgiveness where hurt has angered some. We are one Church, with one Father, one Lord and Savior, in one Holy Spirit. God grant the understanding and the healing that will enable us fully to be the vibrant, evangelizing and Eucharistic Church he calls us to be.

May God bless Archbishop Aymond. May God bless us all.

Lastly, Archbishop-Elect Aymond addressed his new flock:

Clergy, Religious and Laity of the Archdiocese of New Orleans
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

I have been informed by Archbishop Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio, that our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has named me Archbishop of New Orleans. This news humbles me and I renew my gratitude to God for calling me to serve as a bishop of the Catholic Church. I also express gratitude to Pope Benedict XVI for his faith in me and for entrusting to me the pastoral care of you, the people of God in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. I promise to pray for you daily and to strive to be for you a good shepherd, reflecting to the best of my ability the mind and heart of Jesus.

I regret that my visit to New Orleans for this announcement has to be very brief. I must return to the Diocese of Austin for a 4 p.m. news conference. In the near future, we will have many opportunities to share more relaxed time together. I look forward to my "home coming" in August.

Though I have been away from New Orleans for the past nine years, I have often recalled very fond memories and have prayed for the people of the Archdiocese of New Orleans every day. Returning as your Archbishop will give us the opportunity to renew memories of the past and to journey together in new ways as God's pilgrim people in the future. I particularly remember the very dedicated priests, many of whom I had the opportunity to teach during my years at Notre Dame Seminary. The priests, deacons, religious and laity in New Orleans form a lively, vibrant family of faith. I look forward to being a part of this family again.

I will be traveling to Rome for the Feast of Sts. Peter & Paul, June 29, to receive the pallium from our Holy Father, a symbol of the pastoral responsibility of an archbishop. The people of God in the Diocese of Austin and the Archdiocese of New Orleans will remain in my prayers and heart as I kneel before the Holy Father to receive the pallium.

As I pray for the local Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, I ask that you please lift me in prayer, especially during this time of transition. I look forward to the Installation Mass on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009 at 2 p.m. at St. Louis Cathedral. Until then, God's peace be with you.

Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond
Bishop of Austin

Not being one to disappoint, he traveled back to Austin not only for the 4 p.m. press conference, but additionally, he has a Confirmation to celebrate tonight.

Photocredit: Diocese of Austin

News broke this morning that Most. Rev. Gregory Aymond, Bishop of Austin, has been announced as the 14th Archbishop of New Orleans.

This is a rumor that has been floating around for some time. I found an e-mail thread between myself and Rocco of Whispers mentioning the rumor in April 2007.

The official release from the Vatican
Press release from New Orelans
Rocco's story from Whispers

I have a number of stories I could share about Archbishop-Elect Aymond, but that'll come in due time. I'm on a flight in a few hours to El Paso for a baby shower.

In his eight years as Bishop of Austin, he was a great influence on this diocese, the student community at the University Catholic Center and me personally. He has had a dinner each semester with the guys of Lambda Omega Alpha and visiting the UCC on a regular basis.

Congrats to the Archbishop-Elect! What a loss for Austin.

UPDATE: More statements and whatnot.
Photocredit: Diocese of Austin

This is from a few days ago. When I arrived at work on Wednesday, I was asked to lead a communion service since all of our priests were at a convocation with the Bishop and the individual who was to do the communion service was completely swamped all of a sudden. I wrote up a quick few notes.

In today's First Reading from the Book of Tobit, we have both Tobit and Sarah having some trouble.

Tobit, as we heard yesterday, has been blinded with cataracts and his quite frustrated about it, lashing out at his wife and her calling him own it - "where are your charitable deeds now--your true character is finally showing itself!"

We pick up the story today with Tobit realizing the error of his ways and calling out to God, aware of both his faults and the faults of all of the chosen people. He ends his prayer asking God to take life from him, since it's better not to live than to live aware of his unworthiness.

Sarah's problems come from this maid. Sarah had seven husbands die on her--who knows why--and the maid is continually insulting her. In the end, she too asks God to take her life from her than to live in such constant abuse.

They both put their grief and struggles into the hands of God.

While in their own spiritual dark nights, God took their grief and depression and raised them up--giving sight to Tobit, so he can live with renewed understanding of his action and driving the demons out of Sarah and allowing her to marry again.

Now, in the Gospel, we have something of the opposite. The Sadducces is questioning Jesus, with a veiled attack on Jesus' foretold resurrection of the dead. They failed to acknowledge the power of God and are forcing their image of what the afterlife would be like on God. Won't the next life just like this one?

No, Jesus responds, we're destined to be like the angels. He's reminding them, and us, that as God is the God of the living, we're not bound to death nor of the bonds of this world. In heaven, we'll all be in a true and pure relationship with one another--husbands, wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, best friends or enemies will all fade away as we enter into true relationship with one another with God in heaven.

In short, we must remember that we are not citizens of this world, but of heaven. We are not to put all of our faith and trust into things of this world, or what we understand of this world. We're to leave in the hands of God our shortcomings, our doubts and our desires and have faith in his power to raise them up, as he will do to ourselves and the departed on the last day.

His general intention is "That international attention towards the poorer countries may give rise to more concrete help, in particular to relieve them of the crushing burden of foreign debt."

His mission intention is "That the particular Churches operating in regions marked by violence may be sustained by the love and concrete closeness of all the Catholics in the world."

I wrote this yesterday while sitting in a coffee shop in Houston, away from a computer or an Internet connection.

Last night, Jay Leno hosted his final tonight show, available until mid-June on nbc.com, mixing both a look at the past and a look toward the future.

His opening stand-up included thanking Michael Jackson, Monica and Bill and others who helped the comedy write itself during the past 17 years. The comedy piece was a look back at the best of Jaywalking, his regular feature of recorded bits walking around L.A. asking "normal" folks easy current events questions with quite humorous results.

His only guest was his replacement--Conan O'Brien--with a somewhat awkward interview looking at what the new The Tonight Show will look like starting on Monday.

Musical guest was James Taylor. Leno introduced him mention that on his way out of Boston years and years ago Taylor's song, "Ten miles behind me and Ten-thousand more to go" was playing on the radio leaving an impression on him that has lasted all these years.

The final "goodbye", I thought, was the most touching. I'm going to let you watch that for yourself. It starts after the final commercial break.

Conan begins on Monday. Leno's new show will premier at 9 pm (Central) in September.