My dear Brother Priests, Deacons, Consecrated Men and Women, and the Lay Faithful:
May God’s peace be with you at this time of transition in our diocese!
When our beloved shepherd, Bishop Mario Dorsonville passed away on January 19, the College of Consultors had to be convoked in order to elect a temporary caretaker of our diocese while we await the Holy Father’s nomination of our sixth bishop. On January 22, the College of Consultors elected me to be the Diocesan Administrator. I am grateful for the trust that has been given to me.
I am also mindful of my need for assistance in providing pastoral care to our diocese. As it is my desire for continuity in the administration of our diocese, honoring Bishop Dorsonville’s legacy, and proceeding on what he had begun, I have decided that the same officials who were his closest collaborators should continue with their responsibilities to fulfill this vision.
Therefore, the following will comprise the Diocesan Leadership during this time of transition and will assist me in the day-to-day pastoral and administrative care of our faithful:
1.Very Rev. Eric P. Leyble, JCL – Officialis (Judicial Vicar);
2.Mr. William “Bill” Barbera – Chief Financial Officer and Director of Administration;
3.Very Rev. Vicente DeLa Cruz, MCL, JCL – Coordinator for the Clergy
4.Very Rev. Jay Baker, MCL, JCL - Chancellor
Fr. Patrick Riviere will remain in his current role as Priest-Secretary in the Office of the Bishop or the Office of the Diocesan Administrator and as Recording & Executive Secretary to the College of Consultors and Executive Board.
Finally, I ask for your continued prayers for me and for our diocese. Please be assured of my prayers for you as well.
Sincerely,
Very Reverend Simon Peter Engurait
Diocesan Administrator sede vacante