MINNESOTA
Canonical Consultation
Jennifer Haselberger
The priests of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis received this message via email early this morning.
Subject:
Message from Archbishop John C. Nienstedt
My dear brothers in Christ, I would have preferred to share this with you in person, but the desire of the Holy See to announce this made it impossible to wait until the Presbyterial Assembly in Rochester to tell you. In order to give the Archdiocese a new beginning amidst the many challenges we face, I have submitted my resignation as Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and I have just received word that he has accepted it.
The Catholic Church is not our Church, but Christ’s Church, and we are merely stewards for a time. My leadership has unfortunately drawn attention away from the good works of His Church and those who perform them. Thus, my decision to step down. In addition, Bishop Lee Piché submitted his resignation to our Holy Father and it too was accepted. Our Holy Father has appointed Archbishop Bernard Hebda, Coadjutor Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, to serve as the Apostolic Administrator for our Archdiocese until another Archbishop is appointed.
Bishop Piché’s statement to the media, and Archbishop Hebda’s bio and open letter to the
faithful are attached. This evening in Rochester, Bishop Andrew Cozzens will have an opportunity to address all the priests about this. It has been my privilege the last seven years to serve the local Church. I have come to appreciate deeply the vitality of the 187 parishes that make up the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. I am grateful for the support I have received from you, religious men and women and lay leaders, especially those who have collaborated with me in the oversight of this local Church. I leave with a clear conscience knowing that my team and I have put in plaace solid protocols to ensure the protection of minors and vulnerable adults. I ask for continued prayers for the well-being of this Archdiocese and its future leaders. I also ask for your continued prayers for me.
Fraternally Yours in Christ,
Archbishop John C. Niensted
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