A year ago this week, some 6,000 of the faithful from all over the Diocese of Rockford gathered at the BMO Harris Bank Center in downtown Rockford. There were choirs, honor guards, societies of the faithful and a number of bishops present.

The Holy Father, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, had appointed a new bishop, a new shepherd to succeed Bishop Thomas Doran.

The occasion of my first anniversary as Bishop of Rockford, and the completion of a year of service, gives me many thoughts and prayers as you might imagine.

I was asked recently if I could sum up my first year of service to the Diocese of Rockford in one word. I said that would be this: Gratitude!

I have much to be thankful for. I would begin with the ordination ceremony itself. It was a moment when I felt a very warm welcome and embrace from the faithful who were present.

At one point, as I lay on the floor before the altar, I prayed to offer myself as best I could, in spite of all flaws and weakness, to being the best shepherd I could be.

Throughout the year, time after time, people have come up to me to say how moved they were being part of the Church in that ceremony. It was a moment that brought the diocese together. I am grateful to everyone who helped with that ceremony, who came to it, or who watched it “live streamed.”

This first year has given me a great appreciation for the service of our priests.

These men, both diocesan and those of religious orders, are doing much to bring our Catholic teaching and the sacraments to the faithful. Of course, they are often assisted by our deacons who offer, as well, a quiet but dedicated gift of self for the life of the Church.

I have spent a great deal of time this first year “on the road.” Confirmations, blessings of buildings, meetings of organizations, graduations, visits to Catholic schools — all of these have given me a great opportunity to see the differences in our diocese.

From South Beloit to Amboy and from East Dubuque to Aurora, from our cities to our farms, we have various and different needs and resources to bring forth our Catholic faith.

Still, what is so noteworthy for me is the goodness of spirit and the kindness that I continually meet in parish after parish. This highlights the strength and vitality of the faithful in this diocese.
Of course, we also have challenges and areas that need improvement as a Church. Life is like that. Still, our faithful give great hope for the present and the future.

I am also asked, from time to time, what do I see going forward now that the first year is completed? What are the needs that I see?

I would highlight three in particular.

First, we continue to need more and worthy vocations, yes to religious life and to the permanent diaconate, but most especially to the priesthood.

I would ask the whole diocese to continue to join in prayer for more workers in the harvest. And, do encourage our young men personally, won’t you?

Second, we need to continue and even strengthen our commitment to Catholic education and to our Catholic schools. Yes, they take money and sacrifice, lots of them. But they, along with our religious education programs, pay off handsomely, with faith in our young people.

Finally, we need to address the question of Mass attendance. For all of the joy and fervor that we see in our parishes, it is lacking because others are not there who should be with us. I see that as a challenge for our future.

Taken all together, my first year has been filled with blessing after blessing. Please know of my prayers for all of you, and my deep gratitude as well.