By Laurie Hallstrom

Sede Vacante’ is Latin for Vacant Seat — referring to the absence of a bishop in a diocese. When a bishop leaves or dies, the diocesan College of Consultors have an obligation to elect a Diocesan Administrator within eight days.

Bishop Peter Muhich passed away on Saturday, February 17, and the consultors met on Monday, February 19. “Basically, it is the responsibility of the consultors to keep the operation of the diocese going, so they choose someone who will be the administrator until we get a new bishop,” said Fr. Dan Juelfs, JCL, newly elected Diocesan Administrator.

Traditionally a new bishop does not change the consultors when he arrives. “Then when he gets settled in, he can choose his own consultors,” said Father Juelfs. The consultors will continue to meet in the interim, but the Presbyteral Council no longer exists nor does the vicar general position which was held by Fr. Leo Hausmann of Lead.

“I’m going to talk to the consultants about once a month because I can use all the help I can get,” he said.

“The finance council and marriage tribunal continue because they are canonical offices, but they are also necessary for the diocese to function,” said Father Juelfs. They don’t lose any authority, and the chancellor, Sr. Christine Hernandez, continues keeping all the records up to date.” In addition, the Chancery personnel continue serving the diocese.

Bishop Muhich was the first bishop to die in office since Bishop Harold J. Dimmerling in 1987. “Obviously, grief is here because he’s no longer present,” said Father Juelfs, pointing out that people who worked with him regularly are affected.

The bishop last met with the clergy as a group on December 15, 2023. He had several meetings that day but still visited with priests at dinner. According to Father Juelfs, “When he left, he said, ‘It’s been a long day, and I’m tired.’ He kept up his spirit and enthusiasm. He may have been losing some energy, but it wasn’t noticeable.”

No new initiatives can be enacted without a bishop. Father Juelfs used the example of the Flourishing Family Diocesan Strategic Planning Process. “Committees can still meet, they can still discuss, they can still tweak their recommendations. It’s just that proposals can’t be implemented until a new bishop comes because there is no Presbyteral Council to vote on it.” Projects that were already approved can proceed.

Due to the effects of chemotherapy, the late bishop had canceled several appointments and could not preside at Confirmations in the past few months. Father Juelfs has Confirmations on his calendar, and he is working with parishes on his schedule while keeping the option open to delegate pastors to celebrate Confirmations.

At Pastoral Ministry Day prayer cards for a new bishop were handed out for parish representatives to take with them. Cards are also available at the Chancery, 225 Main St., Ste. 100, Rapid City. People can stop in and get them or call 605-343-3541 to have them mailed.

In a few months, the diocesan administrator will set up an ordination committee. He will call on past committee members for guidance and to train new volunteers on the formalities of an episcopal ordination.