US Bishop Change: Sacramento, California

[davidc2]

This morning Pope Benedict XVI named Bishop Jaime Soto as the new Coadjutor Bishop of Sacramento, California.

Bishop William Kenneth Weigand remains the ordinary of the diocese, but upon his retirement or resignation, Bishop Soto will automatically become the new Bishop of Sacramento.

Bishop Soto had been serving as an Auxiliary Bishop of Orange in California.

 

[Cobbfmly]

This morning Pope Benedict XVI named Bishop Jaime Soto as the new Coadjutor Bishop of Sacramento, California.

Bishop William Kenneth Weigand remains the ordinary of the diocese, but upon his retirement or resignation, Bishop Soto will automatically become the new Bishop of Sacramento.

Bishop Soto had been serving as an Auxiliary Bishop of Orange in California.

I Googled on Bishop Soto. What I found along with what I know has occurred in the Diocese of Orange, CA makes me a little uncomfortable.

 

[Mannyfit75]

I Googled on Bishop Soto. What I found along with what I know has occurred in the Diocese of Orange, CA makes me a little uncomfortable.

What issues do you have with him? Is he liberal in his thinking?

 

[Cobbfmly]

What issues do you have with him? Is he liberal in his thinking?

I don’t have a specific issue with him, I am just cautious about him. In the articles I saw he seems to be borderline liberal in his approach to important issues (i.e. immigration, AIDS prevention). Also, the Diocese of Orange is known for being liberal. However, I find it hard to believe that the Pope would appoint a liberal successor for a Bishop that is very orthodox.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Before one gets married they announce the banns to ask if anyone has information why this should not be allowed. Should we have a similar procedure for bishops?

 

[brigid12]

Before one gets married they announce the banns to ask if anyone has information why this should not be allowed. Should we have a similar procedure for bishops?

Sounds like a really good idea!

(Course, I think that what with the priest shortage - orthodox ones esp.- and with the amount of paperwork that would take, I won’t be holding my breath)

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Sounds like a really good idea!

(Course, I think that what with the priest shortage - orthodox ones esp.- and with the amount of paperwork that would take, I won’t be holding my breath)

Someone noted that bishops are the only area where we don’t have a vocations shortage.

 

[cmudd]

I am very leery about this new bishop. I pray that he proves my concerns misplaced, but he seems to be cut from the same cloth as so many bishops these days.

The Western US has been dealt a fairly poor hand of bishops over the last three decades. They all seem to have close associations with Cardinal Mahoney and many give ample reason for concern. I am not sure why Rome appoints men who show any ambivalence about orthodoxy or give the appearance of scandal. Please send us a “Burk” or a “Bruskewitz!”

I was thinking the other day that it will be great when some of our bishops retire, but given Rome’s track record as of late, I wonder if we won’t be worse off in that event.

Among others, Archbishop Neiderauer of San Francisco (a classmate of Mahoney) has been such a disappointment. He recently gave his apologies for administering communion to two members of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (a homosexual group that mocks the church by wearing nun costumes and performing lewd acts). He stated that he was not aware that they were who they turned out to be. How does the Archbishop of SF miss that one!!! He also seemed to enjoy Broke Back Mountain stating that “it was a very powerful film, etc…” Well, perhaps he will be named the next prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Then we can look forward to our next shepherd.

I hate to sound so uncharitable, but at some point, we must show some righteous indignation at these things. Many of our priests, nuns, and bishops use our obedience and silence as a way to cow the orthodox faithful. It is very upsetting. Is there anyway to demand a better bishop from Rome? Why do they send us these men? Does this sound bad? Is this sour grapes? Can someone give me the e-mail or mailing address to someone at the Vatican who will listen?

 

[anamchara]

I think it is an inspired choice I am greatly encouraged to see our next bishop saying things like,
“The failure to speak about sexuality and the cruel disregard for homosexuals creates an unhealthy climate of silence that can allow young people to fall into dangerous sexual activity – dangerous morally as well as physically,” Soto said.
“The church has something positive to say about the gift of sexuality and about the dignity of each human person. That message will not be heard unless we speak about it openly and respectfully.”
He sounds like he has a balance and still piously Catholic approach. AND he walks his walk even when it is difficult for him. I’m liking this guy already

ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1404136.php

 

[Cobbfmly]

I Googled on Bishop Soto. What I found along with what I know has occurred in the Diocese of Orange, CA makes me a little uncomfortable.

Our diocese newspaper had a whole section devoted to Bishop Soto (diocese-sacramento.org/herald/index.htm). I am much more comfortable with Bishop Soto. He is very strong on making the “Gospel of Life” know to our youth. He is also for immigration reform, but he does not support using churches to house illegal immigrants.

The only thing I was not able to determine was his position on liturgical abuse and TLM. He comes from a diocese known for some egregious liturgical abuses and for making it difficult to use TLM.

 

[Cobbfmly]

…The Western US has been dealt a fairly poor hand of bishops over the last three decades. They all seem to have close associations with Cardinal Mahoney and many give ample reason for concern. I am not sure why Rome appoints men who show any ambivalence about orthodoxy or give the appearance of scandal. Please send us a “Burk” or a “Bruskewitz!”…

I did not catch this when you first posted it. This is not true of all western US Bishops. Bishop Weigand, Sacramento’s bishop, is very orthodox. Some orthodox things he is well known for is forcing a Catholic HS (not diocesan) to fire a teacher that has been involved in pro-abortion activities and for strong support of TLM. He is bishop of 500,000 faithful in California. His diocese covers 42,000 square miles of California (20 counties).

 

[m134e5]

Is there any way to demand a better bishop from Rome?

We do not have a right to demand anything from Rome. That is presumptuous. Benedict XVI is the pope- not any of us. He is in charge- not any of us. Respect the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Father, and trust in his fidelity to the Chair of St. Peter- which God has ordained he should fill.
cmudd;2842793:

Why do they send us these men?

Why do you question the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Father? He looks at the Church as a whole, and sees its needs. We get the priests and bishops we deserve. We must pray for our clergymen, for more priests and religious, and we must work to live out our vocation as perfectly as possible.
cmudd;2842793:

Does this sound bad?

Yes!
cmudd;2842793:

Can someone give me the e-mail or mailing address to someone at the Vatican who will listen?

I don’t think anyone is going to listen to someone tell the Holy Father how to do his job. Pray for the Holy Father and the bishop- that they do God’s will, and that you trust them.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Our diocese newspaper had a whole section devoted to Bishop Soto (diocese-sacramento.org/herald/index.htm). I am much more comfortable with Bishop Soto. He is very strong on making the “Gospel of Life” know to our youth. He is also for immigration reform, but he does not support using churches to house illegal immigrants.

The only thing I was not able to determine was his position on liturgical abuse and TLM. He comes from a diocese known for some egregious liturgical abuses and for making it difficult to use TLM.

I have yet to hear him speak out on Linda Chavez - our Catholic, Hispanic, pro-abortion representative.

 

[Angels_Watchin]

Take a look at the www.rcbo.org website to see what Bishop Soto really cares about. It’s all about social justice. There are 5 links for immigration reform and none NONE for pro-life work.

The “Peace and Justice” page lists Issues and Legislative advocacy - but there isn’t a pro-life or anti abortion link among them or even listed as an “issue”.
rcbo.org/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=147&Itemid=58

He’s created a “Deanery program” throughout the diocese that has ZERO interest in pro-life work. He’s all about immigration and halting the death penalty (his 2 priority issues for the 2006-2007 years.)Sept. Newsletter:
rcbo.org/site/images/stories/newsletter_9-15-2007_8-24-07.pdf

links to all newsletters:
rcbo.org/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=145&Itemid=58

His 5 or 6 page e newsletter to his Deanery program is all about the poor, immigrants, death penalty, health care and fair wages even environmental health - but not a word, not one meeting, not one event, not one word in 6 months of anything pro-life. Nothing.

If you call the diocese and ask for the pro-life director - you get Bishop Jaime Soto’s line. But he says and does NOTHING for pro-life except an occasional public appearance.

HIs Sept Deanery newsletter links to a protestant organization selling booklets about “issues of faith and justice”. Of the 15 (YES, FIFTEEN) booklets, NONE address abortion or pro-life.
They DO include feminism, poverty, the apocalypse, slave trade, etc. BUT NONE ARE CATHOLIC AND NONE ARE PRO_LIFE. - and he links his entire deanery program - deacons and parish reps for 62 parishes to this protestant site.

sojo.net/index.cfm?action=resources.discussion_guides

I’m just glad he’s not going to be taking over in the D. of Orange when B. Tod Brown makes his exit.

 

[Cobbfmly]

Interesting, I knew he was strong on immigration, but not having “The Gospel of Life” as a strong priority is the opposite of what his interview in our diocesan newspaper indicated. Also in the interview Bishop Soto never mentioned the death penalty.

Q: What do you see as some of your first tasks or priorities as coadjutor bishop? What initiatives do you think you will be most interested in? A: I am very interested in the pastoral plan that was approved at the synod. The major themes resonate with many of my abiding concerns for the church. I am eager to see how I can contribute to moving the plan forward.

Our diocesan pastoral plan includes a pro-life component.

Promote vigorously the defense and protection of human
life, at every stage of its existence, from conception
to its natural end in death, as the fundamental and basic
human right, founded in the natural law, and thus accessible
to the mind of every human being by the unaided
light of reason, while being itself the indispensable foundation
of every other natural and human right…
…3. Invite every member of every faith community to
assume freely, as a God-given call in our day and age,
the personal responsibility to promote the defense
and protection of every human life, from conception
to its natural end in death.

Q: You have said in the past that Hispanic youths and youths in general need moral guidance from the church since societal ethics and cultural influences often distort the meaning of human sexuality. Can you elaborate on these thoughts and what outreach you might have with youths in the diocese? A: We have a very positive, hopeful message about human sexuality. The moral vision of the church can help young people see themselves and one another with respect and dignity.
Unfortunately we — pastors and parents — remain quiet, silent on the topic of sexuality. There are many cultural forces that are only too quick to fill the vacuum we leave. Our silence contributes to many of the problems of adolescent pregnancy, AIDS and the rise of other sexually-transmitted diseases.
We do not have to resort to “scare tactics” in teaching the youth. We have a beautiful tradition that begins with recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.

From Bishop Soto’s homily at his welcoming mass:

The rituals of worship incline our souls to see and revere the sacredness of life. Our hands, opened humbly to reach the Lord in communion, dispose us to receive and hold in like manner all those “little ones” whom the King sends in his name.

      Of these there are many encounters that may be unplanned and unexpected           but none should be unwanted, especially the unborn child who comes           in innocence and hope.

I pray that the choice of priorities in Diocese of Orange are controlled by Bishop Brown and now that Bishop Soto is no longer in that diocese he will be able to show his support for The Gospel of Life. On the flip side, the last 26 years of Bishop Soto’s life has been spent in the Diocese of Orange (created 1976) so for most of his seminary years and all of his ordained life this is the only diocese he has known. However, from having lived in the Diocese of Orange under Bishop McFarland, I know this diocese used to be stronger on the Life issues.

 

[anamchara]

Take a look at the website to see what Bishop Soto really cares about. It’s all about social justice. There are 5 links for immigration reform and none NONE for pro-life work.

A couple of things. You speak as though Peace and Justice is a bad thing, need I remind you that it’s part of our call as Catholics to take care of the poor and seek promote peace. And what is wrong with linking to Protestants? Should I also remind you that we do have some things in common with our separated brethren? We do have an ecumenical office in Sacramento which I believe is fairly active.

You talk about him having zero interest in pro-life, perhaps his gift or call is the things listed. I have seen some Bishops websites and all it’s all about pro-life NOTHING about social justice etc. This Bishop sounds very well rounded and intelligent. Give him a chance, I’m sure he has very strong opinions about pro-life. Besides how much more pro-life can you be when you are working to end the death plenty? Good Lord, talk about a cultural of death. I’m thrilled that we will have a Bishop who is vocal about ending such a barbaric practice!

%between%
Your post seems a bit knee-jerk to me. I think he will be wonderful.

 

[peary]

I find it hard to believe that the Pope would appoint a liberal successor for a Bishop that is very orthodox.

It depends on what the powers that be have told and recommended to the pope. John Paul used to make a case-by-case study of appointed bishops to make sure that they would uphold the Church’s teachings. I don’t know if Benedict has either the time or the inclination to do the same thing.

 

[rien]

IMO this choice is a disaster like I fell Neiderhauer was in SF. Whither the Sacramento indult community?

Sorry, being for “illegal immigration” is one thing that got me to leave the church - a lesser point to be sure.

But despite the honest “illegals” there are many working the system. I could no longer abide the Catholic churche’s complicity on what IMO is generally a fraud being foisted on middle class tax paying Americans. Who, if their loved one is seriouslly ill and is put into a nursing home loses benefits after 3 months. Not so the illegals the church defends. When my loved one was in a nursing home I didn’t find any Catholic advocay for her. This is a bitter pill for me so I will stop now.

Maybe some in Sacramento, if Soto proves true to form, will get a reality check on what is going on with the Catholic church in California.

 

[Bennie_P]

Take a look at the www.rcbo.org website to see what Bishop Soto really cares about. It’s all about social justice. There are 5 links for immigration reform and none NONE for pro-life work.

The “Peace and Justice” page lists Issues and Legislative advocacy - but there isn’t a pro-life or anti abortion link among them or even listed as an “issue”.
rcbo.org/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=147&Itemid=58

He’s created a “Deanery program” throughout the diocese that has ZERO interest in pro-life work. He’s all about immigration and halting the death penalty (his 2 priority issues for the 2006-2007 years.)Sept. Newsletter:
rcbo.org/site/images/stories/newsletter_9-15-2007_8-24-07.pdf

links to all newsletters:
rcbo.org/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=145&Itemid=58

His 5 or 6 page e newsletter to his Deanery program is all about the poor, immigrants, death penalty, health care and fair wages even environmental health - but not a word, not one meeting, not one event, not one word in 6 months of anything pro-life. Nothing.

If you call the diocese and ask for the pro-life director - you get Bishop Jaime Soto’s line. But he says and does NOTHING for pro-life except an occasional public appearance.

HIs Sept Deanery newsletter links to a protestant organization selling booklets about “issues of faith and justice”. Of the 15 (YES, FIFTEEN) booklets, NONE address abortion or pro-life.
They DO include feminism, poverty, the apocalypse, slave trade, etc. BUT NONE ARE CATHOLIC AND NONE ARE PRO_LIFE. - and he links his entire deanery program - deacons and parish reps for 62 parishes to this protestant site.

sojo.net/index.cfm?action=resources.discussion_guides

I’m just glad he’s not going to be taking over in the D. of Orange when B. Tod Brown makes his exit.

Maybe you got a few things wrong and are judging Soto by Brown’s record? IMHO, I think maybe we should trust Rome and the Holy Spirit on how they are setting up the Chess board for the future. don’t you think? Just my two cents worth:twocents: - heres prayers for all of our American Bishop.

 

[cmudd]

I did not catch this when you first posted it. This is not true of all western US Bishops. Bishop Weigand, Sacramento’s bishop, is very orthodox. Some orthodox things he is well known for is forcing a Catholic HS (not diocesan) to fire a teacher that has been involved in pro-abortion activities and for strong support of TLM. He is bishop of 500,000 faithful in California. His diocese covers 42,000 square miles of California (20 counties).

I am in Sacramento and am very aware of bishop Weigand. He has done a lot to reign in many of the heterodoxy in the diocese. He slowed down a bit after his priests rebelled against him for appointing Fr. Corapi director of faith formation, but he has been good for the diocese, all in all. What confounds me is to replace him with Bishop Soto. I pray for him, but I see his appointment as a step back.

To be quite honest, he should try to close down that high school. It is a disaster. There are things taught there that I cannot repeat on this site. Six of my seven sisters went there and my and other parents complained for years to the chanceries of both Quinn and Weigand. Nothing really changed…

I do like Weigand, though. He has a difficult job with so many of his prests and nuns willing to “walk off the job” if they don’t get what they want and being surounded by the likes of Neiderauer, Cummings, Quinn, Mahony, etc. for so many years. He has a far more difficult job than we know.