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Bishop Bradley addresses potential merger of Steubenville and Columbus dioceses
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My Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As you will recall, on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, I publicly issued a joint statement along with Bishop Earl Fernandes, the bishop of Columbus, announcing that our two dioceses have been directed to move forward with a process of information gathering regarding the possibility of a merger of our two dioceses. This process of information gathering will be a very important component in answering the question that many people have: “What is the status of our diocese in regard to a possible merger?” In this article, I would like to provide some additional context and rationale.
In the fall of 2022, the first indication that there was any consideration of merging our diocese with the Diocese of Columbus was made public, which took everyone here by surprise and caused great concern. In fact, the proposal was on the agenda for consideration by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops at the fall plenary assembly in November of that year. When it became clear that there had been very little consultation done with the faithful and clergy of our diocese, that item was removed from the bishops’ agenda; and the proposal for a merger was put on hold. There has been no further movement on this proposal since then.
Shortly before this year’s general assembly of the U.S. bishops, both Bishop Fernandes and I received formal communication from the apostolic nuncio, asking that each of our dioceses begin in earnest to consider that proposal of such a merger, by beginning a process of information gathering, and to do so collaboratively. The nuncio explained that since the request to consider such a merger had been formally made, that it was essential to fully explore whether or not such a merger is advisable. Much of this information gathering process will focus on the “temporal” aspects of the lives of our two dioceses.
During the general assembly of all the bishops in mid-November, both Bishop Fernandes and I had an opportunity to meet with the nuncio for further clarification. At that time, he once more emphasized that this process is for the purpose of gathering information; he stated very clearly “that no decisions have been made. ... no conclusion should be presumed beforehand.” But the nuncio also emphasized that the only way to make an informed decision about such an important matter is to do the “due diligence” required. Each diocese has been asked to complete this study with the results sent to the apostolic nuncio by mid-March 2024.
On Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, Bishop Fernandes and I met, along with select members of our diocesan pastoral staffs, for an afternoon to formally begin this process. We began with a “Prayer for Discernment” (I attached a copy of that prayer below and invite you to join me and our priests in praying this prayer each day) asking for the Holy Spirit’s guidance throughout this process, praying that whatever the outcome will be in accordance with God’s divine will. We spent some time coming to know one another, and getting first-hand information and accurate insights into the states of each other’s diocese. While the work of information gathering will be done separately, we have committed to keeping each other informed, and meeting periodically to have further discussions along the way. Bishop Fernandes and I also are in regular communication.
Please keep this matter in your prayers over these next several months. I also ask that we avoid jumping to any conclusions, or making any assumptions, about the outcome. I am grateful that we – our priests, deacons and diocesan staff – are actively engaged in this study, and that we are doing so in a spirit of collaboration with the Diocese of Columbus. Over the course of these next few months, I will keep you informed to the best of my ability.
In the meantime, in the spirit of Advent, let us continue “waiting in joyful hope” for all the ways that Jesus continues to come into our lives.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
The Most Reverend Paul J. Bradley
Apostolic Administrator of Steubenville
Prayer for DiscernmentFather of love and goodness, source of all wisdom and truth, thank you for the opportunity to consider the future of our diocese.
May we come to know your will in this process by listening with open hearts to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
May we discover the paths you would have us follow to serve faithfully your people here in central and southeastern Ohio.
Grant us the grace to recognize and follow the voice of your Son, the Good Shepherd. And may the Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Francis de Sales guide and accompany us in our discernment.
With gratitude, we offer you this prayer, dear Father, in the name of your Son, Jesus, and in union with your Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.