Dear Bishop Bullock,

It is with great joy that I join the faithful of the Diocese of Rapid City in celebrating your appointment by the Holy Father as their new bishop. The clergy and laity here in the Archdiocese of Dubuque, where you served faithfully and generously the past 33 years, are well aware of the many gifts and talents that you will bring to your episcopal ministry. These include a deep spirituality, a keen and creative mind, a passion for serving the People of God, and a love of the arts.

Along with these innate aptitudes and abilities, which you developed and shared over the years, you have a wide range of experience to draw upon in your service to the local Church. Your training and ministry as a canon lawyer, your academic background, and perhaps most importantly your experience as a pastor of parishioners and rector of seminarians will be of great assistance as you assume your episcopal responsibilities of governing, teaching, and sanctifying.

When Pope Francis spoke to the American bishops during his 2015 visit to the United States, he told them that their greatest joy as shepherds comes from being “pastors with undivided hearts and selfless devotion.” He said, “The heart of our identity is to be sought in constant prayer, in preaching, and in shepherding the flock entrusted to our care.” I have no doubt that you will embody this characterization of the life and ministry of a bishop.

May the intercession of Our Lady of Perpetual Help assist you in your episcopal service to the faithful of the Diocese of Rapid City as you lead them more deeply into the sacred mysteries.

Fraternally in Christ,
Most Reverend Thomas R. Zinkula
Archbishop of Dubuque