Just over a week after Archbishop Bernard Hebda celebrated eight years as archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis, his auxiliary, Bishop Joseph Williams, announced his departure.
On this week’s episode of the “Practicing Catholic” radio show, the archbishop described an initial disappointment for the loss of his auxiliary. That transformed into joy for the opportunity to share his talents elsewhere, the archbishop said.
“First of all, when I heard the news, I was sorry to be losing such a valued collaborator who’s really helped us in our evangelization efforts and who has done so much, such as (serving as the) vicar for Latino ministry,” the archbishop said. “At the same time, it’s a source of pride, I think, for our archdiocese that the Holy Father would be choosing somebody from here to go all the way to Camden, New Jersey, to serve as the coadjutor.”
Bishop Williams is slated to move to Camden this summer, where he will work with Bishop Dennis Sullivan as coadjutor until Bishop Sullivan retires on his 80th birthday, Monday March 17, 2025. Then, he will be named as bishop of the diocese.
Archbishop Hebda also served as a coadjutor bishop, in Newark, New Jersy, and said the coadjutor experience is valuable.
“From now until then (Bishop Sullivan’s retirement), Bishop Williams will have really a privileged opportunity to learn about the Diocese of Camden … to learn about what Bishop Sullivan has been doing and then to build on that foundation,” Archbishop Hebda said. “One of the reasons why the Church has that figure of the coadjutor bishop is that it allows for a real smooth transition in leadership.”
Archbishop Hebda plans to request another auxiliary bishop from the Pope.
“I think that we certainly have a need for an auxiliary, another auxiliary, and certainly someone who’s able to do some of the specific work that Bishop Williams was doing and doing so well, especially in terms of the outreach to (the) immigrant community and especially to Latino (community). I’m hoping that the Holy Father will be merciful in helping us to find some assistance and that it won’t take too long,” he said.
To hear more of Archbishop Hebda’s reflections on his eight years in the archdiocese and Bishop William’s imminent transition, tune into the “Practicing Catholic” episode that debuts at 9 p.m. May 24 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM and repeats at 1 p.m. May 25 and 2 p.m. May 26.
Produced by Relevant Radio and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the program also includes a discussion with Tim Doran, who heads the family-owned St. Patrick’s Guild book, gift and church goods store in St. Paul, which is celebrating 75 years in business. Also, listen to a discussion with Father Chad VanHoose, who will serve as chaplain of NET Ministries.
Listen to interviews after they have aired at archspm.org/faith-and-discipleship/practicing-catholic or choose a streaming platform at Spotify for Podcasters.
