'A priest's bishop, he made good of diocese a priority

Intermountain Catholic

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Msgr. Robert R. Servatius, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Sandy photo courtesy of Msgr. Servatius

by Msgr. Robert R. Servatius

Pastor, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Sandy

SANDY — Prior to the announcement of his transfer to the Diocese of Sacramento, Bishop William K. Weigand appointed me a diocesan consultor. In that capacity, I and the other consultors met with Diocesan Administrator Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald on a regular basis during the interim prior to the naming of a new bishop.

After about a year, the papal nuncio informed Msgr. Fitzgerald a new bishop had been named for the diocese, and Msgr. Fitzgerald informed us consultors that "you will be delighted" with the selection. Shortly after, Bishop-elect George Niederauer visited Salt Lake City and met with the clergy. Msgr. Fitzgerald’s prediction would prove prophetic.

I have served Bishop Niederauer as consultor, member of the Diocesan Presbyteral Council, and three terms as president of the council. I always found him extremely easy to work with. He was supportive and encouraging, with a priority focus on the good of the diocese, and especially the clergy. He has aptly been described as a "priests’ bishop." I was always impressed with his keen ability to identify the key elements of an issue being addressed, to "cut to the chase" as it were, as discussions progressed.

As pastor of a parish, I experienced that same spirit of support, encouragement, and fatherly guidance from the bishop. At the same time, he would expect that our pastoral challenges would be addressed professionally and accurately, but never did so with a heavy hand. I always felt trusted and respected by the bishop. He would often pass on compliments on parish leadership, and his annual cards on occasions of birthday and ordination anniversaries, expressing congratulations and gratitude for pastoral work, were deeply appreciated.

One of his assets that will always stay with me is his sense of humor. Often, out of blue, he would suddenly "zing" one with a witty remark or story. At the conclusion of his ordination/installation Mass as bishop of Salt Lake City, all decked out in his Episcopal regalia, he announced from the pulpit in the Cathedral of the Madeleine, "I hope none of this falls off." Another incident occurred at the dedication Mass of our new Blessed Sacrament Church, Oct. 23, 2005. The dedication Mass lasted a little over two hours. After communion, with everyone seated in silence, it was my time as pastor to make some remarks and acknowledgements. As I walked to pulpit, Bishop Niederauer announced to the congregation, "Now for the second half of our program." It brought the house down.

With countless others, I wish Bishop Niederauer every good and pray God will continue to bless his ministry richly. I say "Ad Multos Annos" to a leader, a mentor, and a friend.