Tuesday, May 06, 2008
numerous developments in the Archdiocese of St Paul/Minneapolis
The archdiocesan appointments I mentioned yesterday now appear in the Catholic Spirit:
Also, Archbishop Nienstedt has written an article entitled Exciting New Developments at Chancery, in which he announces the development of a new office:
And finally, the Archdiocese has asked that the practice of lay preaching come to an end, as of May 2.
Back to Main PageOn May 2, his first official day as leader of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Archbishop John Nienstedt named Father Lee Piché as vicar general and moderator of the curia, replacing Father Kevin McDonough, who has served in the Chancery since 1984.Complete list of new appointments here.
Father Piché, who has been serving at All Saints in Lakeville, was also named pastor of St. Andrew in St. Paul.
Father McDonough now will serve the archdiocese as Office for Protection of Children and Youth Initiative director. He also was named pastor of Sagrado Corazón de Jesus in Minneapolis, while continuing to serve as pastor of St. Peter Claver in St. Paul.
In addition, Archbishop Nienstedt named:
Father Erich Rutten as chair of the Commission on Ecumenism and Interreligious Affairs, replacing Father Piché. Father Rutten will continue to serve as campus ministry director at the University of St. Thomas.
Father Eugene Tiffany will serve as director of the Office of Priestly Life and Ministry, while he continues to serve as pastor of Holy Spirit in St. Paul.
Father Francis Kittock, who is retired from full-time ministry, was named assistant director of the Office of Priestly Life and Ministry....
Also, Archbishop Nienstedt has written an article entitled Exciting New Developments at Chancery, in which he announces the development of a new office:
The Presbyteral Council has been asking for a new Archdiocesan Office of Life and Ministry of Priests. Nothing is more important to me than the life and ministry of our priests. They function as my right arm!In other news, Joe Towalski interviews the new archbishop about the future.
Not wanting to remove a pastor from his parish to accomplish this important work, I have asked Father Eugene Tiffany to work half time at this ministry, while continuing his pastoral responsibilities at the Church of the Holy Spirit in St. Paul.
I have also asked Father Francis Kittock to assist Father Tiffany in overseeing the new pastors in their transition. I am grateful to both these priests for agreeing to serve in these roles.
Eventually, I would like to see this new office affiliated more closely with St. Paul Seminary as well as our archdiocesan offices for deacons and vocations.
And finally, the Archdiocese has asked that the practice of lay preaching come to an end, as of May 2.
Comments:
WOW! Interesting changes. I'm especially excited that Fr. Lee Piche is the new Vicar General. Excellent choice, your excellency!
# posted by 
: 5/07/2008 7:11 AM
: 5/07/2008 7:11 AM
A short while ago, I witnessed a confirmand with the name "Luther" on his name tag.
Lo and behold, on his first day as Diocesan Bishop, His Excellency made known to all DREs and Confirmation directors his wish that all confirmandi would chose a saint's name, whether their baptismal name or another, in order to bind themselves to a heavenly patron.
He has also restored a note of simplicity to the mass-Confirmation Masses (100-250 confirmands from multiple parishes). Previously the sponsor and the whole family came up with the confirmand, but Archbishop Nienstedt restored the liturgical practice of confirmand and sponsor alone approaching the bishop. And whereas catechisms were handed to the newly confirmed immediately after each was confirmed, the catechisms are now distributed beforehand. The effect: confirmation goes quicker (without being rushed) and the focus is more clearly on the administration of the sacrament.
Lo and behold, on his first day as Diocesan Bishop, His Excellency made known to all DREs and Confirmation directors his wish that all confirmandi would chose a saint's name, whether their baptismal name or another, in order to bind themselves to a heavenly patron.
He has also restored a note of simplicity to the mass-Confirmation Masses (100-250 confirmands from multiple parishes). Previously the sponsor and the whole family came up with the confirmand, but Archbishop Nienstedt restored the liturgical practice of confirmand and sponsor alone approaching the bishop. And whereas catechisms were handed to the newly confirmed immediately after each was confirmed, the catechisms are now distributed beforehand. The effect: confirmation goes quicker (without being rushed) and the focus is more clearly on the administration of the sacrament.
# posted by : 5/08/2008 12:26 AM
: 5/08/2008 12:26 AM
Greg,
These seem like very positive developments. I'm quite impressed with the new Pastor of the archdiocese.
These seem like very positive developments. I'm quite impressed with the new Pastor of the archdiocese.
Yea! I'm so glad Archbishop Flynn to is making these changes before he steps down. It would have been really unfair to leave such a mess to Archbishop Nienstedt.
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# posted by : 5/10/2008 9:16 AM
: 5/10/2008 9:16 AM
