As soon as the letter is received by the papal nuncio (the Holy Father’s representative in the United States), he begins the process of inquiring among various bishops and others about who might be a good successor to this diocese. Usually, each bishop is asked to give three possible candidates and provide appropriate background information about them. After a good number of letters are received and appropriate vetting has been done of various candidates, the nuncio will then submit three names to the Dicastery for Bishops in Rome, where another screening will take place. All of this is accomplished with a high degree of confidentiality. Then on a given day, usually a Saturday, the cardinal in charge of the dicastery will go to the Holy Father with three names (called a terna) and recommendations. Normally, the Holy Father would accept the first candidate and name him the new Bishop of Lansing. Once that is done, the news is passed to the nuncio, who then contacts the candidate to obtain his acceptance of this new ministry. Once that is done, I will be informed, and, usually about a week or so later, there will be a public announcement. Within about two months after that, the new bishop is ordained bishop (if he is not one already) and installed.

In preparation for this transition, we in the diocese are conducting some studies. You are being asked to fill out the DMI (Disciple Maker Index) to assess the faith status of our Church. In addition, there will be interviews of priests, deacons, and laity, as well as other surveys to provide a picture of the strengths and concerns facing the Diocese of Lansing. This will give the new bishop a good description of our diocese as he moves to become our new leader in faith.

In the meantime, please pray for me but also for the man who will eventually come to be our new shepherd. And many thanks for being the best diocese in the country!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Rev. Earl Boyea

Bishop of Lansing