The Collaborative Exercise of Ministry

Bishop Tim McDonnell of Springfield -- who, as a priest in New York, helped clean up Covenant House and took charge of his diocese under similarly unsavory circumstances -- shows that his knack for being a good manager continues apace:

Two years after the head of the Springfield Diocese resigned amid allegations of sexual abuse, the current bishop is reaching out to laity and clergy for names of possible candidates for appointments as bishops.

McDonnell... recently sent letters to all priests, deacons and some women religious.

Also, at least some pastors were asked to invite several lay people from each parish to participate in the process. McDonnell invited them to suggest priests who might warrant consideration to become bishops serving somewhere in the U.S. Catholic Church.

If memory serves, Springfield has had auxiliaries in the past.

"I am asking that you name three priests, in order of your preference, which you, in conscience before God, judge might be worthy candidates for the Office of Bishop," McDonnell wrote in the letter.

He included a one-page list of qualifications and attributes that should be considered in the process.

OK, despite my better judgment, this one's getting opened for comments. Say you got a letter like this from your bishop. Don't name names. But what qualities would you deem as being of eminent importance?

Please answer the question. No more. No less. And especially no fighting, please.

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