HARRISBURG – The incoming Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg says he will work for continuity of leadership, and more healing as the church moves forward from the clergy sex abuse scandal.
“It’s been a difficult time, but that difficulty, please God, will lead to a new fruitfulness, kind of a new rejuvenation, which I believe is already happening. You get that sense from speaking with the senior team that Bishop (Ronald) Gainer has assembled,” said Bishop Timothy C. Senior, who was designated by Pope Francis as the 12th Bishop of the Harrisburg Diocese.
The diocese says Bishop Senior‘s Mass of Installation will be Wednesday, June 21 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Harrisburg. He’ll take over for Bishop Gainer, who will become Bishop Emeritus and hopes to continue active liturgical work in the diocese and teaching.
Bishop Senior called Bishop Gainer a strong and effective leader through challenging times, “I will work everyday to ensure continuity in leadership. The administration of the diocese; the care of souls, and with particular concern with survivors of sexual abuse of clergy. All the policies and procedures that are in place will remain in place and will continue to be reviewed for potential improvement.”
Bishop Senior was ordained an Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia in July of 2009 and is currently the Regional Bishop of Montgomery County and Philadelphia-South.
The 63-year-old says he already has a sense of the diverse ministries in the diocese, “I sort of grew up in the work of Catholic Charities, my graduate studies prepared me to do that, so I have a heart for that, as well as the work of clergy personnel. I was formed by Catholic education. I have great love and appreciation for Catholic education.
Bishop Gainer said he’s the first Bishop to retire from the diocese since 1971, meaning the previous five bishops managed to exit the diocese without retiring.
