II AM MOVING

My BLOG is moving to my new website bishopstrickland.com.

I want to thank the great people at Group M7 for their support and the great job they have done developing my website.  A portion of it will incorporate all the posts from my BLOG and allow me to continue to communicate in this format.  It will also have some great new features.

Please note that the mass at 7:40 AM on January 25, will be at the Chapel of saints Peter and Paul not at the Chancery Chapel.

See you at bishopstrickland.com God bless..........+Joseph

Calendar January 14 to February 8

CALENDAR

January 14-  8:00 AM Mass at the Chancery Chapel

January 15-  No public mass

January 16-  8:00 AM Mass at the Chancery Chapel

January 17-  No public mass

January 18-  7:40 AM Mass at the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul

January 19-  No public mass

January 20-  9:00 AM Mass at the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul
                     11:00 AM Mass at the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul

                       3:00 PM Confirmation Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows in Jacksonville

January 21-  No public mass

January 22-  8:00 AM Mass at the Chancery Chapel

January 23-  6:00 PM Mass at Wellspring

January 24-  No public mass

January 25-  7:40 AM Mass at the Chancery Chapel

January 26-  No public Mass

January 27-  3:00 PM Confirmation Mass at OLG in New Summerfield

January 28-  8:30 AM Mass at St. Joseph's School for Catholic Schools Week

January 29-  8:00 AM Mass at St. Mary's School

January 30-  9:40 AM Mass at the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul for Gorman School

January 31-  8:15 AM Mass at the Cathedral for Saint Gregory School

February 1-  9:00 AM Mass at St. Patrick School

February 2-  10:00 AM Mass for Religious at Dominican Convent in Lufkin

February 3- February 8-  Out of Town for Priest's Retreat

A Brief Update

I'm on retreat but I wanted to break away for a moment to let you know you are in my prayers and
to share a couple of calendar updates.

January 13-  6:30 AM Mass at the Cathedral
                     8:00 AM Mass at the Cathedral

January 20-  9:00 AM Mass at the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul
                   11:00 AM Mass at the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul

I will share more updates when I return to the office the week of January 14.

God bless.

Wishing You All a Blessed New Year

I just wanted to take a few moments to wish you all a Blessed New Year and to promise my prayers. 

I finally got around to editing my profile.  People are still getting used to calling me bishop, as I am getting used to the title myself but at least it is a little less of a mouth full than bishop-elect!!! 

The great people at Group M7, the internet company that hosts our diocesan website, are working on a website that I can use personally.  It is still in the design phase but before too long I will be switch to that and ending my use of this blog.  Don’t worry!!!  I will offer you plenty of notice for the switch and I will be able to use the new website like a blog but with other great features also.  There will also be a link from the official website of the Diocese of Tyler, dioceseoftyler.org so in case you do miss the information on my blog you will always be able to catch up with me there.

I spoke to one of our seminarians this morning and when we were both hanging up and wishing each other a happy new year he laughed.  He explained that he was laughing because 2013 will be a VERY NEW YEAR for me and for the diocese.  His laughter was quite appropriate because each step along this new year will be a brand new experience for me as bishop of this family that I have come to love so deeply called the Diocese of Tyler.  Through the years I’ve often commented to newly weds and newly ordained priests that they have to realize how important their first year in their new vocation is.  Every experience is a first time event in their new role.  It dawned on me a couple of weeks after my ordination that I need to heed my own advice.  The coming months will bring many new experiences for me.

One of those brand new experiences has already passed.  Celebrating my first Christmas as bishop was a joyful and blessed event for me.  People have commented that I seem so comfortable in my new role and I have to say that their perception is accurate.  I know it is the Grace of God that allows me to enter into this new role so smoothly and I also appreciate the kindness and support of the people and so many who are assisting me directly with liturgies etc.  I feel everyone “pulling for me” and that is a great comfort.  I suppose it is just another manifestation of the blessing I feel in being called to be bishop of my family!!!

Speaking of family, I’ll share a picture of my niece Megan Schnurbusch.  You can probably guess that she is Cinderella in this picture.  You can see that she is enjoying her new role also!!!

 

GOD BLESS YOU AS WE ENTER INTO 2013.  LET US CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR EACH OTHER

 

Christmas Greetings

                                                                                                 

A Blessed Christmas to All-

As I celebrate my first Christmas as Bishop of Tyler I wanted to greet all of you and assure you of my prayers during this holy season. 

As you can imagine it is exciting to return to the Cathedral this evening for my first Midnight Mass as bishop.  I have celebrated many midnight masses at the Cathedral through the years, as an assistant priest, as rector of the Cathedral, concelebrating with Bishop Corrada and now as bishop.  The Cathedral is always beautiful for Christmas and I look forward to this wonderful liturgy.

Christmas is such a busy time for all of us that it is easy to forget what it is all about.  I pray that where ever you are this Christmas that you take the opportunity to go to mass and celebrate the birth of Our Lord.  I was always mystified as a kid by the reality that many believing Christians don’t go to church to celebrate Christmas.  The liturgical basis of our worship as Catholics helps us to stay rooted in the basic events of salvation that have unfolded for us all. 

I know that many of you have a tradition of inviting non-Catholics to join us for our Christmas masses especially for Midnight Mass.  I encourage you to continue that tradition.  There is no limit to what God can accomplish in all of our lives when we open our hearts to the truth of His saving plan.  Let us pray that all Christians, Catholic or not, may grow in a deeper contemplation of the wonders God has done for us as we celebrate Christmas 2012.

Sincerely in Christ’s Name,

+ Joseph

Reflections and Calendar Update

 

This picture includes (seated on the front row, from the left) Bishop David Fellhauer, Bishop Edmond Carmody and Archbishop Michael Sheehan. All three of these men along with Bishop Herzig, Bishop Corrada and so many others have played significant roles in my formation.

It is a special blessing to me personally that Bishop Carmody, bishop emeritus of Corpus Christi has agreed to return to Tyler to serve as my Vicar General. I look forward to working with him and especially asking him to assist us in development for the future of the diocese. He and Bishop Corrada have placed the diocese on a firm foundation after Bishop Herzig began the diocese and formed the basic administrative offices. It is an exciting time to continue the work of these fine men and a special blessing that one of them will be working as my "right hand man" as the diocese continues to develop.  

Many people have commented on the abundant blessings our diocese has received with the three fine men of Christ and His Church who have shepherded the diocese since it began. Herzig, Carmody and Corrada will be names that will always be remembered as a triumvirate of strength in the Catholic faith.  I am humbled to realize that it is my charge to take up their yoke and continue their fine work.  I know that I will rely on the prayers and support of all in the diocese and beyond.   

Midnight mass for Christmas 2012 will be a very blessed celebration for me.  Please know that all of you will be in my prayers in a special way at that mass.  I ask that you also pray for me and the Diocese of Tyler, by the grace of God may the coming years also be blessed as we seek to live and proclaim Jesus Christ more abundantly in north east Texas.
 

GOD BLESS YOU AND MERRY CHRISTMAS

 

MY CALENDAR

December 26-  No public mass

December 27-  No public mass 

December 28-  8:00 AM Mass at the Bishop’s Chapel in the Chancery 

December 29-  5:30 PM Mass at the Cathedral 

December 30-  9:00 AM Mass at the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul

                        11:00 AM Mass at the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul 

December 31-  6:00 PM Mass at the Cathedral 

January 1, 2013-  10:00 AM at the Cathedral 

January 2- No public mass 

January 3-  8:00 AM Mass at the Bishop’s Chapel in the Chancery 

January 4-  No public mass 

January 5-  5:00 PM Mass at St. Joseph’s in Marshall 

January 6-  9:30 AM Mass at Holy Spirit Church in Holly Lake, Texas 

January 7-  11-  Bishop’s Retreat in San Antonio 

January 12-  5:00 PM Confirmation Mass at St. Augustine Church, St. Augustine, Texas 

January 13-  1:00 PM Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Tyler

More Pictures

These pictures are from 10:00 Mass at the Cathedral on December 2, when I officially took possession of the Cathedral.

The other pictures are from the Gala celebration of the Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital..........me getting a little exercise and learning how to do heart surgery.

Calendar Revision

Wouldn't you know..........I get it posted and the calendar changes.........for now just one change!

December 20-  Remove-  7:40 Mass at Gorman School Chapel
                          Add-  8:15 Mass at St. Gregory Cathedral School at the Cathedral

A Few Pictures

 Yep that's me in the miter!!

 A great partnership Bishop and Vincent Meinzer

 Bishop and Archbishop Sheehan

 

 Bishop Corrada laying on of hands

 Bishop Carmody, Archbishop Sheehan

                         (first row)

 Me with Dennis, Stephen, Barbara, Katherine and Megan Schnurbusch (my baby sister and her family)

 Archbishop Sheehan and ski buddies from New Mexico, Fr. Dennis Garcia, Fr. Larry Brieto, Archbishop, Fr. Francis Malley

 Me with my sister Ann and family,  Julie Smith McManus, Beth Smith, Michael Smith and Macy McManus

Calendar December 8 to December 25

December 8-  5:30 PM Mass at Immaculate Conception Church in Jefferson, Texas

December 9-  6:30 AM Mass at the Cathedral
                       2:00 PM Guadalupe Mass in Athens

December 10-  No public mass

December 11-  No public mass

December 12-  7:00 PM Confirmation Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Tyler

December 13-  No public mass

December 14-  7:40 AM Mass at the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul

December 15-  10:00 AM Mass for Deacon Candidates in Marshall- Ministry of Lector
                           5:30 PM Confirmation Mass in Hallsville

December 16-  8:30 AM Mass at St. Augustine
                         Spending time in South East Deanery

December 17-  Visiting South East Deanery

December 18-  7:40 AM Mass at Bishop Gorman School Chapel

December 19-  8:00 AM Mass in Bishop's Chapel at Chancery

December 20-  7:40 AM Mass at Bishop Gorman School Chapel

December 21-  9:40 AM Bishop Gorman School Mass to close semester at the Chapel of Saints Peter  and Paul

December 22-  No public mass

December 23-  Masses at St. Matthew's in Longview

December 24-  10:00 PM Mass at the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul- Christmas Eve
                         12:00 AM Midnight Mass at the Cathedral

December 25-  8:00 AM Mass at the Cathedral

A Tremendous Week

As I try to share a few reflections about the most awesome week in the life of this kid from Atlanta, Texas; I realize that there is no way I can capture everything.  Acknowledging that my reflections will be inadequate I will go ahead and make a stab at it.

It seems especially significant that Bishop Gorman School was highlighted in the Bull (mandate) from the Holy Father Pope Benedict naming me as the 4^th Bishop of Tyler.  That is one element of awesomeness that Bishop Gorman School was actually mentioned in the Bull.  It reflects all the wonderful people in my school family who have been a part of this tremendous week and truly a part of my entire journey.  Although St. Gregory Cathedral School was not mentioned directly I hope that those who are part of that wonderful “branch” of my family realize that they really were in the message also.  St. Gregory and Bishop Gorman are sister schools and they BOTH did a tremendous job for me personally and for the diocese of adding a WHOLE LOT OF AWESOMENESS to this past week.  I could go on for a very long time mentioning the behind the scenes and “in the spotlight” contributions that Bishop Gorman administration, staff, faculty and students made to the event of my ordination.  I can say DITTO for all that the administration, staff, faculty and students of St. Gregory offered as well.  I suppose what this expresses for me is that as children and families have been so much a part of my journey it is especially appropriate that the children and families of our schools have been right at the middle of my ordination.

I know that all of our Catholic schools contributed in beautiful ways to my ordination and in addition to Bishop Gorman and St. Gregory I want to especially thank St. Mary’s, St. Patrick’s and St. Joseph’s.  Even though I haven’t had as much interaction with these schools they stepped up beautifully to participate,  send wishes of congratulations and add materially to the celebration in wonderful ways.  I look forward to embracing all of these kids into my growing family also.

I commented on a couple of the posts of a fellow blogger in regard to my election and ordination as the 4^th Bishop of Tyler and stated that his words were “over the top”.  Somehow that may be a good description of the wonders that God has done among us after all.  The Lord has been truly “over the top” in the grace that He has offered me.  The event of my ordination was a blessing to me in a deeply personal way; the same can be said for my family and my wonderful extended family that encompasses the Cathedral and the whole diocese.  It was a blessing for the visiting bishops who had nothing but praise for ALL the elements of the two days that many of them spent with us. 

I wish that I could take the time to publically and personally thank each and every person involved but I know if I made the attempt I would leave some dear people off the list and I’m afraid I’d be accused of neglecting my pastoral duties.  We do have some celebrations in the works to say thank you to key groups in a small way.  My expressions of gratitude will forever be inadequate expressions of thanks for the wonderful people who have done so much but maybe realizing that makes it all the more important that I at least try.

I’m reading a book on spiritual leadership these days and I loved a quote from a Chinese monk from centuries before Christ that said, a true leader is one who can accomplish a great work and leave the people saying “we did this”.  In reality my ordination isn’t a good example because I really had very little to do with it but I rejoice that the feeling I do get is that all of you who have worked so hard do come away from this week with exactly that feeling, “WE DID SOMETHING GREAT BY THE GRACE OF GOD”.  I feel my prayers is already being answered in wondrous ways that your hard work will reap tremendous benefits now and for a long time to come.

We all love Bishop Carmody, (the 2^nd Bishop of Tyler) and he has often told us after various efforts in the diocese, “You done good”.  It was such a beautiful moment when Bishop Corrada greeted us as his fellow East Texans, the response of the congregation symbolized the significance of his warm statement for all of us.   It seems to be most fitting that I close and thank you in true East Texas style.  GOD BLESS YOU DIOCESAN FAMILY, YOU DONE GOOD!!!!!!

Calendar Revisions and Update

REVISION

December 2,  8:00 AM Mass at the Cathedral
                     10:00 AM Mass at the Cathedral
                       1:30 PM Mass at the Cathedral

NEXT WEEK

December 3- No public Mass

December 4-  7:40 Mass at Gorman School Chapel

December 5-  No public Mass

December 6-  7:40 Mass at Gorman School Chapel

December 7-  7:40 Mass at Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul

Thanksgiving Thoughts

I thought this little guy was an appropriate image as I reflect on all I give thanks for

at this time. I can imagine that some would question what a koala has to do with

Thanksgiving Day in the USA.  If you've been following my blog you probably know

that Australia has a very significant place in my story.   Aussie isn’t just “the land down

under” for the Strickland kids, it is part of who we are and part of our story.

I suppose the picture of a koala serves to remind me of the wonder of God’s plan in

each of our lives.  The story of how my father from Clarksville, Texas and my mother

from Sydney, Australia met during the second world war sounds a bit like a movie

script.  It is a story that includes joy and triumphs as well as sadness and heartache but

isn’t that the case for all of our stories.   As I give thanks for God’s blessings in my life

I am profoundly aware of all the graces and challenges that have brought me here.  The

act of giving thanks is deeply embedded in what it means to be Christian and what it means

to be Catholic.  As we celebrate this holiday I pray that all of us can be more aware of all

we give thanks for and I pray that our gratitude will strengthen us to face the joys and the

sorrows of tomorrow.  May God bless you and all who are dear to you on this Thanksgiving Day

2012.

Calendar Update- change on 11/18

Calendar November 16 to December 2

November 16-  9:00 AM Mass at St. Patrick's School in Lufkin

November 17-  No Public Mass

November 18-  8:00 Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

November 19-  No public Mass

November 20-  8:00 AM Mass at the Bishop's Chapel in the Chancery

November 21-  8:00 AM Mass at the Bishop's Chapel in the Chancery

November 22-  9:00 AM Mass at the Cathedral

November 23-  No public Mass

November 24-  No public Mass

November 25-  10:00 AM Mass at the Cathedral with Bishop Corrada
                         12:00 PM Mass at the Cathedral as Celebrant

November 26-  No public Mass

November 27-  7:40 Mass in Gorman School Chapel

November 28-  2:00 PM Ordination Mass at Caldwell Auditiorium
                         (Televised live on cable and EWTN)

November 29-  8:15 St. Gregory Cathedral School Mass at Cathedral
                         9:45 Bishop Gorman School Mass

November 30-  7:40 AM Mass at the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul

December 1-  10:00 AM Altar Server's Mass at Cathedral

December 2-
                       10:00 AM Mass at Cathedral
                       12:00 PM Mass at Cathedral

The kindness of Shepherds Part 2

As I continue to enter into this new life I am more and more aware of the joys and the pitfalls that await me.  Through the years people have often told me not to change.  I have to admit I probably haven't fully understood their message but I think I'm getting more and more of the idea.  So many new things have entered my life and so many new influences that it is probably more important than ever that I stay grounded.  It is probably easy to begin to separate myself from the people but I realize more profoundly all the time that this would be a huge mistake.  My success as a shepherd will depend a lot on whether I remember that whether limos or pick up trucks, whether mansions or mobile homes, whether fine robes or running shorts, my primary work is to love and serve all of God's people however I encounter them.  

It probably sounds strange to a lot of people but there is a lot of glitz associated with being a bishop and it seems that it would be very easy to get carried away with it all.  The bishops that I am meeting inspire me because as I said earlier they seem very down to earth.  Many of them are in major cities and play major roles not just in the Church but in their entire communities.  Their experiences make the "glitz" that I have experienced seem very minor but they are very real.  I suppose Timothy Cardinal Dolan the Cardinal Archbishop of New York is a prime example.  He gave me a big bear hug and a slap on the back that almost knocked me down but his warmth and welcome was a great blessing.  He is just returned from Rome and playing a major role at the just concluded Synod of Bishops.  Here he is fresh from audiences with the Holy Father at the Vatican and he takes the time to warmly welcome me to the College of Bishops.

Cardinal Dolan and so many of the bishops remind me that we must always stay rooted in humble service to the people The Lord has called.  I suppose I always turn to the children to help me stay rooted and real.  It occurs to me that these men are a good reminder that Jesus Christ has said "let the children come to me".  It is truly a profound message that goes much deeper than kindness to the little ones even though that is so important.  Christ reminds us that we are all His children and that we need to humbly serve each other in that relationship.   The children often cut through any over blown "adult" importance we may grasp to ourselves.  I pray that they will always remind me that I'm a heart a kid from Atlanta,Texas who has been greatly blessed by God's kindness and grace.

The Kindness of Shepherds

I am in Baltimore at my first Bishop's Meeting and even though I have not been ordained yet all of the bishops have been very welcoming.  I wanted to share what a great experience it has been to join them as I prepare to enter into this new role.  I suppose I presumed that since I have not been ordained I would more or less take a back seat at this meeting but the opposite has really been true.  Kindness is the word that I have to use to describe the way I have been welcomed by each bishop that I have encountered as we have been arriving and preparing for the official opening of the meeting tomorrow.

I know that I am still in awe of this call from God and Pope Benedict XVI and I suppose that awe continues to color my experiences.  I see bishops, archbishops and cardinals in the hall and all of them are so kind and seem so genuinely happy that I am joining their college.  I've reflected on that word a bit these past few days.  The College of Bishops is really a good way of describing this group of men who all have the same purpose of fostering and promoting the message of Jesus Christ.  It is so much more than a club or organization.  These men are called to be "collegial" in doing their best to share the burdens and celebrate the joys of shepherding God's people.  I have felt that collegial spirit since the moment I arrived here, literally in the shuttle van from the airport to the hotel.  I met one of the bishops from a diocese in the midwest and we visited a bit and compared notes on our dioceses etc.  He was kind enough to invite me to dinner when I'm sure he had several other opportunities that he could have accepted.  As we visited at dinner I commented how nice it is for priests and bishops to be able to meet as total strangers and have so much in common immediately.  I have already been blessed to experience the goodness of these men with whom I will be working for the rest of my life.

It is also good to see that these bishops with all their responsibilities and important positions are ultimately just men.  They have all the human issues that any other group of men from their late forties to their late seventies would have but it is truly inspiring to see their goodness and dignity.  Too often even in Catholic circles bishops are seen as distant authorities and maybe occasionally that perception is accurate but I have to say that does not describe my experience of them at all.  I have to believe that the "grace of office" truly does bring out the best in these men.  I hope you will pray with me that this grace will strengthen and bless me as well.

Let us pray for the Church and for these men who are called to be apostles today.  May The Lord guide us in His Ways and strengthen us in His Spirit.

CHECK CALENDAR UPDATE........ORIGINALLY POSTED NOVEMBER 7

Official Portrait

Another piece of the puzzle..........

Official Portrait



I especially like this picture because Our Lord in the image of the Sacred Heart is watching over me.  Please pray that I will always be strengthened by the special grace that Our Savior's Sacred Heart offers the world.  It is also a great blessing that I stand at the altar in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception the same altar where I celebrated mass as a newly ordained priest assigned to the parish of the Immaculate Conception and where I have celebrated countless masses since. 

A Quote

I liked this quote from Matthew Warner's Blog.

"Elections are not the leading edge of change. Elections are the lagging indicators of what's already changed"


Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/blog/matthew-warner/heres-the-lesson-from-the-election-folks#ixzz2BZyDcFCo

I believe there is a lot of truth in that statement.  It is not good news but it is important that as people of faith we recognize that it describes the realities we face.  Let us be strong in the Lord in professing and living our faith more fully each day so that the lost may be found and so that we may continue to seek the narrow path. 

Bishop Elect's Calendar

Calendar November 16 to December 2


********November 9- 16 Meeting out of town

November 16-  9:00 AM Mass at St. Patrick's School in Lufkin

November 17-  No Public Mass

November 18-  Out of town

November 19-  No public Mass

November 20-  8:00 AM Mass at the Bishop's Chapel in the Chancery

November 21-  8:00 AM Mass at the Bishop's Chapel in the Chancery

November 22-  9:00 AM Mass at the Cathedral

November 23-  No public Mass

November 24-  No public Mass

November 25-  10:00 AM Mass at the Cathedral with Bishop Corrada
                         12:00 PM Mass at the Cathedral as Celebrant

November 26-  No public Mass

November 27-  7:40 Mass in Gorman School Chapel

November 28-  2:00 PM Ordination Mass at Caldwell Auditiorium
                         (Televised live on cable and EWTN)

November 29-  8:15 St. Gregory Cathedral School Mass at Cathedral
                         9:45 Bishop Gorman School Mass

November 30-  7:40 AM Mass at the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul

December 1-  10:00 AM Altar Server's Mass at Cathedral

December 2-
                       10:00 AM Mass at Cathedral
                       12:00 PM Mass at Cathedral