Despite these uncertain times, it feels wonderful to begin to return to travel. I was thrilled to journey back to northern Wisconsin and Michigan this past August for a long overdue visit with family and friends. I am now reacquainting myself with my love for foreign travel. It is not for the faint of heart! The rules, regulations, and endless testing involved to cross foreign borders is daunting. Then there is the worry of being quarantined and not returning on schedule. I must leave this in God’s hands and not be consumed with useless anxiety.

As you may be aware, Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has convoked the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, from October 2021 through October 2023. The first phase is the “diocesan synodal phase” which will begin in October 2021 in all dioceses throughout the world under the theme: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.”

An update from Fr. Rick on the progress with building roofs for earthquake victims, the kidnapping & return of a friend of the ministry, an d insight into perspective changes in the face of trauma and stress.

In this letter Bishop Matano announces that in accordance with Cannon Law he has offered his resignation to the Pope, and also provides an update on the Bankruptcy hearings for the diocese.