Bishop Robert J. Carlson drew applause and praise as he was installed as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Saginaw in Michigan.
The bishop began his tenure with a pledge and his first appointment.
Bishop Carlson told the more than 800 people crowded into St. Mary Cathedral, Saginaw, that he was appointing himself the vocation director of his new diocese.
He also pledged to the people that he would “teach only authentic Catholic doctrine.”
Bishop Carlson said the future was full of hope for the people of the Saginaw diocese.
Thirty bishops and archbishops attended the ceremony. Adam Cardinal Maida, of the archdiocese of Detroit and Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, presided over the installation.
A large contingent of priests and faithful from the Diocese of Sioux Falls attended the installation liturgy where Bishop Carlson formally took over as the shepherd of the 132,000 member, 11-county diocese.
Bishop Carlson succeeds the late Bishop Kenneth E. Untener, who died of complications of leukemia last year. He had served the Diocese of Saginaw for 24 years as its bishop.
During his homily, Bishop Carlson told the people of Saginaw he was “proud to be your new bishop.” He continued by telling the people he will try to be the “best bishop possible.”
The bishop went on to explain how he had already been praying faithfully for the people of his new diocese. “Since December 6, when our Holy Father first invited me to become your bishop, I have been praying for you and my heart has been growing in affection for you,” he said.
Catholic education and vocations were cornerstone themes of Bishop Carlson’s first homily to his new congregation.
“I want us to have the best educated religious education teachers, both professional and volunteer, and as chief teacher in this diocese, I promise to work to that end,” he said.
Bishop Carlson’s reputation as a champion of youth programs and vocations preceded his arrival in Saginaw. He reenforced his interest in those areas by telling the people, “I will personally work to build up the priesthood in this diocese.”
The Diocese of Saginaw currently has just four seminarians.
Cardinal Maida, in his remarks, pledged support for Bishop Carlson in his new diocese. “Your gifts of working with youth ministry and vocations will be a great blessing,” the cardinal said.
The cardinal also joked how Bishop Carlson might help the Archdiocese of Detroit with its vocation program.
Bishop Carlson began his new ministry right away, celebrating Masses in several parishes and conducting three Rite of Election liturgies the weekend following his installation.