Home | Contact Parish Info | Diocese Map | Clergy Assignments | Pastoral Center Offices | Local Catholic Organizations | Jobs | Links The Northern Cross - Local News One year later, diocese is still waiting for appointment By Kyle Eller The Northern Cross Last October, the Diocese of Duluth found itself absorbing the bittersweet news that Bishop Dennis Schnurr had been appointed coadjutor archbishop of Cincinnati. A year later, we’re still in that holding pattern, eagerly awaiting the appointment of his successor. Father James Bissonette, the diocesan administrator appointed last December, says that in the meantime, things are going along fine. “I think basically the diocese is in good shape,” he said. There are financial challenges for the diocese, as there are for so many families, businesses and other organizations, he said, “but we’re trying to be the very best stewards we can be.” Father Bissonette said it’s been an eventful time, and his duty has been “enjoyable and interesting” despite the challenges of continuing as pastor of a parish and school along with his diocesan responsibilities. That work has included helping with ordinations, working with seminarians, answering questions from parishes and dealing with personnel changes, as well as going to meetings of bishops and dealing with government officials and members of the community. He said the assistance of people and staff both at the diocese and parish, as well as advice from the diocesan college of consultors, has helped him answer the question of how he will get it all done. So has prayer. “You get a lot of help, but you also need the help of God in prayer to know what to do and how to do it,” Father Bissonette said. He also asks in prayer for a new bishop, saying that he will be “more than happy” to return to his assignments. He said he’s often asked when a new bishop is coming, because people are anxiously awaiting the news. “When that happens, we’ll be happy, and hopefully ready,” he said. The process is fairly straightforward, he said. Upon the naming of a new bishop, the diocese will send out his biography out and he will be introduced to the diocese, and preparations will be made for an installation and possibly an ordination. Then the new bishop takes the helm. “So we’re praying for him, and will look forward to the day when he actually joins us,” Father Bissonette said. Father Bissonette said he’s thankful for the prayers said on his behalf so that he might do a good job, and he urged those in the diocese to do likewise for the new bishop even now.     Diocese of Duluth • 2830 E Fourth St • Duluth Minnesota 55812 • (218) 724- 9111 Copyright 2010 DIOCESE OF DULUTH All Rights Reserved.