As we prepare for the Easter celebration we do so in a time of grieving over the loss of Bishop Peter. It is a time of grieving over his loss as well as reflecting on the example that he left us through his process of dying.

Throughout the months of his cancer treatment Bishop Peter remained hopeful, and right up until the last day of his life with us he continued to think of things that needed to be done and how to approach them for the good of the diocese.

We are preparing to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus as well as him sharing his hopes with the disciples, calling them to trust in the presence of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, when it came. We too are called to seek the gift of the Holy Spirit as we live our lives, striving to be faithful to the call that God has given us in our lives. Let us be guided by the example that Bishop Peter has given us of trust and faithfulness to the God who called him to his short tenure as bishop of our diocese. He may not have been here very long, but he chose to call this his home and to devote his life to serving us. Let this Easter be a time of remembrance of his example for all of us.

As I begin this time of being the Administrator of the Diocese, I ask for your prayers and encouragement. Just as for all of you, I am learning to live without the presence of Bishop Peter, and I seek his support and prayers as well. I am confident that through the presence of the Holy Spirit and the help of all of you, the Consultors and I will manage the affairs of the diocese until a new bishop is appointed.

Please join in offering the “Prayer for Our New Bishop” in your parishes and in your homes during the coming months as we await the appointment. Fr. Dan Juelfs Diocesan Administrator