In continuity with the history of our diocese, and to recognize and honor our clergy on the occasion of the Diocesan Centenary, I am happy to announce that at my request Pope Benedict XVI has named ten of our priests “monsignors.” Before I list their names I want to say something about this honorary title.

Those of you who have heard me preach at centenary liturgies or at confirmations will know that my focus has been on the church as a family — the “family of God,” the “household of the faith” as St. Paul puts it. All relationships in the church are familial at heart, not just institutional. Theologically and spiritually, the church is “holy mother church.” Priests are rightly called “Father.” Religious women and men are called “Sister” or “Brother.” We refer to Pope Benedict as our “Holy Father” because in this world he is the visible spiritual father of the whole family of God. Our faith family is universal. It transcends not only our natural family, but also our local parish, and even our own diocese.

This is the proper context for understanding the honor that is conferred on a priest who is named a “monsignor.” The title means that he has been made an honorary member of the pope’s own household. Some monsignors are honorary “chaplains” to the pope; others are honorary “prelates.” This custom goes back many centuries.

Perhaps the title “monsignor” doesn’t strike you as very familial. After all, the word literally means “my lord.” But so does the ordinary title given to men in almost all European languages (Herr in German; Pan in Polish; Signore in Italian, Senor in Spanish, etc.). In English, “Mister” derives from “Master.” In the same way, “monsignor” is simply a title of respect.

There was a time in our diocese when certain parishes always had a monsignor as their pastor. (The only remaining monsignor from that time is one of our senior priests, Msgr. Edward C. Dunn.) It is not my intention to revive that practice. When a priest is named a “monsignor” it is an honor for his parishioners too, but it does not mean that their future pastors will be monsignors.

My intention on the occasion of the centenary is simply this: to recognize the service of all our priests by honoring a few representatives out of the many who so faithfully teach, sanctify and shepherd the people of God. The fact that this is a papal honor also underscores, on the occasion of our centenary, the close bonds of communion between our local church and the Holy Father in Rome.

With these considerations in mind, let me introduce you to our new monsignors.

From among our senior priests, the following two distinguished representatives: Rev. Cleo Schmenk and Rev. Bertrand Shenk.

From among those priests who, in a number of assignments, have exercised ministries that serve the whole diocese: Rev. William Kubacki, Rev. Kenneth Morman and Rev. Charles Singler.

From among current pastors, which is an especially difficult choice given all the many worthy candidates, there are two who enjoy the esteem of clergy and people alike as pastors of our two largest parishes: Rev. Michael Hohenbrink and Rev. Dennis Metzger.

Last, but not least, those who hold an office of service in the diocesan curia traditionally associated with the title of monsignor: Rev. Michael Billian and Rev. Marvin Borger (vicars general) and Rev. Christopher Vasko (judicial vicar).
Msgrs. Hohenbrink, Metzger, Kubacki, Morman, Singler and Vasko have been appointed “Chaplains to His Holiness.” In consideration of their age or the office they hold, Msgrs. Schmenk, Shenk, Billian and Borger have been appointed “Prelates of Honor to His Holiness.”

For those who are curious, I might add that the process by which monsignors are named is very straightforward. I wrote to the papal nuncio in Washington, D.C., Archbishop Pietro Sambi, who forwarded my request to Rome. Once approved, there is an administrative fee of $150 for each chaplain and $200 for each prelate to cover office costs, which include a decorative scroll for each new monsignor.

Finally, with the New Year, I want to acknowledge and thank all those who sent me greetings at Christmas. Your prayers and support are very much appreciated, even though it is not possible for me to reply by mail. May all of us be blessed with a happy and healthy 2011.