The Diocese of Bismarck, ND leaped from
only one monsignor to seven this week, when six priests were given the title of
monsignor, joining Msgr. Gerald Wash. Pope Benedict XV bestowed the honor at the request of
Bishop David D. Kagan, D.D., P.A., and J.C.L. on five pastors and the president
of University of Mary.
The new monsignors are:
· Fr. James Braaten, episcopal
vicar for the Diocese of Bismarck and pastor of the Church of the Ascension in
Bismarck; Fr. Chad Gion, pastor of the
Church of Spirit of Life in Mandan, Church of St. Anthony in St. Anthony and
Church of St. Martin in Huff; Fr. Gene Lindemann, J.C.L.,
vicar general for the Diocese of Bismarck and pastor of the Church of St. Mary
in Bismarck; Fr. Thomas Richter, vocation director
and vicar for deacons in the Diocese of Bismarck, as well as rector of the
Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck; Fr. Patrick Schumacher,
director of continuing education for clergy in the Diocese of Bismarck and
pastor of the Church of St. Wenceslaus in Dickinson; Fr. James Shea, president of
the University of Mary in Bismarck.
This is the first time Diocese of Bismarck has named a monsignor
since Dec. 1991. It is not an office, but rather a title of honor. The honor
is given at three ranks in descending order.
The first is Chaplain of His Holiness.
Fr. James Braaten, Fr. Chad Gion, Fr. Thomas Richter, Fr. Patrick
Schumacher, and Fr. James Shea are all now Chaplains.
The second grade is Prelate of Honor, which is the title that has been
given to Fr. Gene Lindemann. The third and most prestigious grade is
Protonotary Apostolic, a title held by Bismarck Bishop David Kagan.
“This is truly an honor, not just for these six good priests, but it is one
more recognition of the exemplary life and priestly zeal all of our priests in
the diocese live and exercise daily,” Bishop Kagan said. “Please join me
in thanking Almighty God for the great gift he has bestowed on our diocese of
the sacred priesthood. Please pray for these six good priests and for all
of our priests who serve us all so faithfully and zealously every day.”
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| Msgr. Thomas Richter accepting the gifts during Mass |
Fr. Shea’s appointment was announced
officially to students at the University of Mary at on Friday morning. A letter from the bishop was read after Masses
this weekend in the churches of the other five priests.
“You’ve heard of Wiki-leaks,” Father Nick Schneider,
Associate Pastor of Cathedral of the Holy Spirit began, “Well, through
Bismarck-leaks, you likely have already heard the news that our pastor has been
made a monsignor.” He proceeded to read
a letter from Bishop Kagan announcing that Fr. Thomas Richter is now a
Monsignor designated by Pope Benedict XVI.
"After enthusiastic applause, Msgr.
Richter announced, “If you are ever wondering if the Holy Father is merciful or
not, now you know.” He said it would be a gift he and his congregation would
get used to together. “This is a way of the Bishop honoring the parish,” Msgr.
Richter said. “Much of this is because I’m
a rector here not because of my person. It is a way for the Bishop to tell us
how important he feels the Cathedral is, so I hope you feel honored as a parish.”
He added that while parishioners were
feeling honored, it was noteworthy that two of our seminarians--Jordon Dosh and
Douglas Krebbs-- will be serving for the Holy Father in Rome at St. Peter’s
Basilica at Christmas midnight Mass. “We are the only parish in the entire world that has serving two of it’s own at
midnight Mass,” he said, “and I trust you are honored by this.”
Later, amid a flurry of congratulatory hugs and handshakes, the ever-jovial
Msgr. Richter told some of his well-wishers, “I get to wear different vestments and
when I am in Rome, and process up with the Pope during Mass celebrations.” Then he
added with a chuckle, “The best part is that I have the honor of the title
with no extra duties or responsibilities.”
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To see video of the announcement at Cathedral and Msgr. Richter's comments go to:
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