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What does an auxiliary do? |
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By The Catholic Spirit
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Tuesday, 16 June 2009 |
An auxiliary bishop helps an archbishop with administrative and sacramental duties, said Father John Paul Erickson, director of the Office of Worship for the archdiocese.
An auxiliary [bishop] is so important in a diocese this size because the responsibilities are so great,² he said. ³It¹s a way to lessen the burden upon the [archbishop] himself.
An auxiliary bishop may travel to parishes as a representative of the
archbishop and preside at confirmations or other important liturgies.
Historically, the archdiocese has had two auxiliary bishops, so it may
receive another bishop in the future, Father Erickson added.
• Titular diocese. As an auxiliary bishop, Bishop-elect Lee
Piché will also be named titular bishop of the Diocese of Tamata, which
is in present-day Tunisia. Titular dioceses are dioceses that were once
active dioceses, but now exist in name only. To be named a titular
bishop is an honor usually bestowed to bishops who do not have
principle authority over an existing diocese.
“A bishop is ordained not just to be a ‘confirmation machine’ — he’s
ordained to be a father, to be the head of a family,” Father Erickson
said. “The giving of a titular see maintains that symbolic connection
between a bishop and a community.”
• Crest. Every bishop has a crest with symbols of his life and
work. Bishop-elect Piché’s crest will be unveiled the day of his
ordination.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 11 September 2009 )
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