Saginaw welcomes Bishop Carlson

...we can only hope.

Carlson made it clear during his 40-minute homily he's optimistic about his future with his new "family."

"I promise as your bishop to teach only authentic Catholic doctrine," he said. "The passing on of the faith as taught through the Scriptures and the teachings of the church in our Catholic schools and religious education programs will be a top priority for me."

"I want us to have the best-educated religious education teachers both professional and volunteer, and as chief teacher in the diocese I promise to work to that end, sharing not only spiritual milk as St. Paul said, but also the real solid food of the Gospel."

In addition, to serving as shepherd of the 132,000-parishioner, 11-county diocese, Carlson announced he's also the new vocation director.

"I will personally work to build up the priesthood in this diocese," he said.

Comments

[Tim Ferguson]

Bishop Carlson gave one of the best introductory homilies I've ever heard (thanks to the good folks at WNEM who broadcast it on the internet). He was clear, forceful, but warm and full of joy. I think he has set a wonderful tone for his pastoral ministry in Saginaw, which will not be easy. He needs a lot of prayer and support, but I am more than encouraged by what I've seen so far. Ad multos annos, Bishop Carlson!

[Rich Leonardi]

"I promise as your bishop to teach only authentic Catholic doctrine," he said. "The passing on of the faith as taught through the Scriptures and the teachings of the church in our Catholic schools and religious education programs will be a top priority for me."
...............
"I invite the men of this diocese, young and old, who have the necessary gifts and state in life, to seriously ask God if they have a vocation to the diocesan priesthood. I share with them the word of the Holy Father, 'Be not afraid ... open up, no, swing wide the gates to Christ.'

Can the Holy Father extend the southern border of the Saginaw diocese to include Cincinnati -- Please?

[Dan W]

>"I will personally work to build up the priesthood in this diocese," he said.

If his record in the Sioux Falls diocese is any indicator, I have full confidence he will fulfill this promise.

[Henry Dieterich]

Michigan could become a veritable center of renewal. Cardinal Maida seems to be doing some great things in Detroit, especially at Sacred Heart Seminary, and now Saginaw has a bishop who looks to clean things up there. (How refreshing! "teach only authentic Catholic doctrine") Now we just need one for Grand Rapids. Unfortunately, our excellent bishop here in Lansing, Carl Mengeling, is hitting retirement age this year. May God find us another as good as he is!

[Roz]

"Bishop Carlson is a different type of bishop than Bishop Untener. It's hard to come in after someone like Bishop Untener, who was so well liked. I just hope people won't try to make him a Bishop Untener."

We all hope so too, friend.

Bishop Carlson has his work cut out for him. But, as Henry states above, he'll have the support of some pretty good colleagues in lower Michigan. May God bless him with peace and strength.

[Steve]

Let's hope that Bishop Carlson does some good work in Saginaw. As a former resident of the Saginaw diocese and someone whose faith was truly deepened by Bishop Untener's humility and down-to-earth wisdom, I only hope that Bishop Carlson can come close to the positive impact that Untener had on the diocese. Yes, of course, Untener was not most conservative Catholics' favorite cup of tea -- but the man was very Christ-like in more ways than I can count. May he rest in peace and may Bishop Carlson be given a fair chance to act compassionately and wisely in Saginaw.

[Mary Ann Booms]

Dear Bishop Carlson: I was at a Town Hall meeting in May at St. Micheals Church in Port Austin, MI.
I thought your comments and answers to the questions were good but the time you were able to spend with the people was very sparce and it was very disappointing that you had to leave in a hurry. We were, of course allowed to ask questions but we were not allowed to get to know you. A person cannot come and go in a hurry and expect the people in the audience to have a chance.I would have liked to talk to you personally I would like to have the opportunity to visit with you on a one to one. Realizing this might not be possible, as your schedule is very busy, I would like to make a suggestion, invite people to your home or come to there's.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Booms