2010 Christmas Greeting

Once again, I have the joy of wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas ... May our Lord Jesus Christ, who came to earth that we might live with Him forever in the kingdom, bless you ...

I talked about Christmas with Art Lewis

I spent time live on the air on WSGW 790 AM Newsradio yesterday morning with Art Lewis. We talked a lot a bout Christmas. You can listen to the podcast on the station's website.

Rest in Peace, Father Larry ...

Last Friday, I celebrated the funeral Mass for Father Larry Pashak, Pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Freeland, who served the people of the Diocese of Saginaw as a priest for 47 years.

Father Larry was among the first priests of the Diocese of Saginaw whom I got to know after arriving here as Bishop in 2009. I especially looked forward to his generous hospitality when I would go to St. Agnes Church to celebrate the monthly diocesan youth Mass, Feed the Fire. He also was very devoted to our seminarians and hosted a cookout for them in the summer.

I am grateful to God for giving me the chance to sit down and spend time with Father Larry on the previous Friday - a week ago; the day before he died. He had indicated to me recently that he was considering retirement and we met in my office to discuss his plans. We talked a lot about his priesthood and the many ways he served the Diocese of Saginaw. All along the way, I expressed my deep gratitude for all he has done to serve the Lord and the People of God here in this diocese. I could not have thanked him enough.

On Friday, Father Larry's family said goodbye to a good brother and a good uncle. The people of St. Agnes Parish said goodbye to a good pastor. The priests of the Diocese of Saginaw said goodbye a beloved brother. And we all said goodbye to a dear friend.

May he rest in peace.

Thank You

A BIG THANK YOU to the young women from Nouvel Catholic Central High School who showed up outside my office today and sang a beautiful "Thank You" song to me and presented me with beautiful hand-made cards signed by students from each of the Saginaw Area Catholic Schools. It was a great surprise! Thank you, for brightening my day :)

Rest in Peace

Following our Church celebration of All Saints and All Souls days at the beginning of this month, I joined my brother priests and deacons today at the Center for Ministry in Saginaw to celebrate Mass and pray for the souls of the deceased Bishops, Priests, and Deacons who have served in the Diocese of Saginaw since it was established in 1938.

May angels lead you into Paradise; may the martyrs receive you at your coming and lead you to the holy city of Jerusalem. May a choir of angels receive you, and with Lazarus, who once was poor, may you have eternal rest.

A list of our brothers who sleep in Christ can be found as it was posted on the DoS News Blog today.

Come, let's March for Life together!

Join me and hundreds more from the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw on January 22-25 at the 2011 March for Life in Washington, D.C., marking the 38th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade. Adult accommodations are available. All participants age 18 and over must have completed VIRTUS safe environment training, a Background Check, and signed Standards of Ministerial Behavior for those Working with Children and Young People. For more information, go to www.saginaw.org/marchforlife.

Also, check out my Respect Life Month message on the DoS News Blog.

Stay tuned...

Due to technical difficulties on the diocesan center’s computer network, the DoS News (Blog) and Bishop’s Blog have not had regular updates in the last few weeks. Please continue to check back as work is being done to address the problem. In the meantime, stay connected by visiting the Facebook pages for the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw and Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone.