Dear Friends,
This morning in Rome, Pope Francis announced that he has appointed me to be the next bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. I have accepted his appointment, trusting in the love of Jesus Christ and God's mysterious providence. In doing so, I cannot deny my sadness at the prospect of departing the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. These 7 ½ years as your bishop have been some of the happiest of my life. I love all of you and will always love this great diocese.
My installation in Kansas City is set for November 4, 2015. I will serve as the diocesan administrator here, until that date, after which a diocesan administrator will be elected by the diocesan college of consultors.
None of us can totally plan out our lives. I trust in God's plans for me and the Church and am confident that "all things work together for the good for those that love God" (Rom 8:28). I am eager to serve the people of northwest Missouri as best I can as their new shepherd. I ask you to pray for me, and for the Dioceses of Springfield-Cape Girardeau and Kansas City-St. Joseph.