An official press conference is set for 11:00 AM today, but news is getting out that Pope Benedict XVI has named Reverend Monsignor Bernard A. Hebda as the next bishop in the Diocese of Gaylord. Bishop-elect Hebda was the Undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for the Interpretation of Legislative Texts at the Vatican. Check out some of the links below to learn more about our new bishop!

Read Pope Benedict XVI Names New Bishop at Diocese of Gaylord

Read Pope names new bishop for Diocese of Gaylord at Catholic Diocese of Saginaw Blog

Read Bishop Bernie Goes to Gaylord... and Steel City Becomes "Sevenburgh at Whispers in the Loggia

And couldn't forget a link to his Wikipedia page!

Check back later for info from the press conference!

Update #1: Here's what the Bishop-elect had to say at his introductory press conference...

"I am both humbled and honored by our Holy Father’s decision to appoint me as Bishop Cooney’s successor," said Bishop-elect Hebda. "Never in my wildest dreams have I ever imagined that I would one day be the Bishop of Gaylord. I can remember being fascinated by a display of Bishop Baraga’s deerskin chasuble and having the greatest admiration for him when I read about his ministry at Harbor Springs and Cheboygan and on Beaver Island – but never did I have an inkling that the Lord would one day call me to serve His flock in the northern portion of the lower peninsula of Michigan.

"I am so grateful to Bishop Cooney not only for his kindness to me, but most especially for the way that he has been Christ’s gentle and guiding presence in this local Church over the past twenty years," Bishop-elect Hebda added. "I am honored to be given the opportunity to continue his good work.

"I look forward to getting to know the people of this Diocese – their needs, their strengths, their history, so that we can together strive to continue to make Christ’s presence felt in this portion of His vineyard," Bishop-elect Hebda concluded.

Update #2: Another article from Catholic News Agency.

Photo and quotes courtesy of the Diocese of Gaylord

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My wife Mary was in the hospital for two weeks and is now home recovering and is slowly getting better. I'm very grateful that she is home and also for all the prayers and support we've received from numerous friends and family. God Bless all of you! The kids are doing great and are happy to have their Mom back home!

Needless to say I haven't had much time for posting or even giving much attention to some of my extra-curricular activities. Between feeding the baby, going to work and making sure my wife and children are taken care of, it doesn't leave much time for me, and the funny thing is, I couldn't be happier. It's hard to explain, but being a husband and father is so much more than I ever thought it would be, that even my regular "daily duties" are enjoyable. Now sure I have a bad day like everyone else, but it still can't stop me from wanting to play with the kids, go for walks with the family, play a game with Mary, go to Mass, or simply sit together as a family and say our prayers before the kid's go to bed. I know, I know, you're thinking "yeah, right", but this is honestly the way I feel. And I thank God everyday for what he's given me!

I've been thinking lately about how God challenges us and boy, you just don't see things coming sometimes. It all just seems to work itself out over time, then a new challenge awaits. Isn't God great?

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Welcome to GoodSaints, the online home for my experiences studying for admission into the Permanent Diaconate Program for the Diocese of Gaylord.

There is one catch - the program is not currently active - however by the time I finish my studies I hope it will be. If not, I will have learned more about my faith and hopefully grown closer to Jesus, both good enough reasons to forge ahead in my opinion.

One of my favorite books is Favorite Prayers to St. Joseph, available from Our Lady of the Rosary Library. I know I wouldn't be where I am right now without St. Joseph's intercession and guidance in regards to my faith and family. This is one I try to pray daily...

PRAYER FOR A LIVELY FAITH
O HAPPY, blissful St. Joseph, heir of the faith of all the Patriarchs, vouchsafe to obtain for me this beautiful and precious virtue. Increase in me a lively faith, the foundation of all sanctity, that faith without which no one can be pleasing to God.

Obtain for me that faith which triumps over all temptations of the world and conquers human respect, which can be shaken by nothing, and which is directed solely toward God. Cause me, after thine example, to live by faith, to subject my heart and understanding to God, that one day I may behold in Heaven what I now firmly believe on earth. Amen.

I wish you welcome and if you have any advice or stories feel free to post them in the comments. Thanks for visiting.

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