Every year at this time I draw up the list of those pastors and priests who will be transferred from one parish to another. This "list" follows a lengthy process of consultation, discussion and advice. 

To view clergy assignments 2015-16, click here.

Before any changes in assignment are made, all the priests of the Diocese receive a form --- "Form 10" is how it is identified --- which inquires of each priest if he wants a transfer, if he is willing to be transferred or if he wishes to stay where he is. Priests who reach the age of 70 are eligible to retire and priests who reach the age of 75 are required by diocesan policy to offer their resignation from any office they may hold (bishop, pastor, parochial vicar, diocesan official).

When Form 10 is completed and returned, the results are compiled and a discussion occurs among the members of the Episcopal Council (personnel board) who know the priests and parishes of the Diocese and I seek their advice. Transfers are then decided by me and the priests affected are contacted regarding their changes.  Occasionally but very rarely does a priest decline his proposed assignment.  After I have contacted the priest, I confirm the change and draw up the list for publication, usually around the time of the Chrism Mass.

It is not unusual that some parishioners are disappointed by my decisions and vocal about their disappointment. Others are happy about the changes but less vocal. Transferring priests is nothing new. It has happened as long as there have been parishes. These decisions are not easy but they are not made arbitrarily.

Pastors and priests ordinarily have a term of office --- usually six years, renewable, for pastors and usually 3 years, renewable, for parochial vicars.  Some other priests have positions with terms of office that are at the discretion of the bishop. In no case are there guarantees that a priest will remain in a particular assignment forever. In every case, however, the bishop tries to provide for the sacramental and spiritual needs of every parish.

Some priests have special talents and records of particular effectiveness in parishes that argue in favor of moving them to parishes that may need those talents. Other priests may not be a good match for a parish and need to be changed. Still other priests simply want or need a change of pace and environment. 

It is my responsibility, as bishop, to determine how and where priests can serve best. Most times, it works out. Occasionally, it doesn't. When a priest is ordained he is asked by the bishop, "Do you promise respect and obedience to me (the bishop) and my successors?" to which he responds "I do." I believe and act on that promise.

I want all parishes to be active communities of faith. That is what is in my mind and heart. But priests (and bishops for that matter) are all different with different talents, strengths and weaknesses. It is not simply a matter of one personality versus another. Parishes and parishioners are no different. But all of us -- bishop, priests and parishioners -- want and need the Mass to be celebrated, the Word of God to be preached, the sacraments to be offered, prayers to be offered and the people of God in this Diocese to be served.

I know I cannot please everyone. I wish I could. But I can only do what I think is good and right. There are 107 parishes in our Diocese and only 166 diocesan priests, with five priests to be ordained in June and 51 priests eligible for retirement in the next five years. Future decisions are going to become more difficult not easier. 

Please pray for vocations. When a priest is transferred, love and thank him for his service and wish him well. When a new priest arrives, welcome him warmly and give him a chance.

The holy Scriptures remind us: "We have here no lasting city but we seek the city that is to come ... Do not neglect to do good and share what you have for such sacrifices are pleasing to God (Hebrews 13: 14-16)."