Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis bishop-elect says Lord's grace makes him 'feel belong' where He called him

Bp. Joseph Williams (not the one in the photo) says he is blessed and grateful for his new role. Image: Ron Lach|Pexels

A day after his Jan. 25, 2022, appointment as Bishop-elect of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minnesota, Bp. Joseph Williams held a three-hour Zoom meeting and discussed the Synod process.

On the first anniversary of his new role, Williams said in an interview with radio show host Patrick Conley Williams that he feels 'blessed and comfortable' being in office. He said he 'feels supported' by the public's prayers.

Grateful, Blessed

The Catholic Spirit reported that Bishop Williams continues to serve as Fr. James Bernard's "co-pastor" at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in St. Paul, Minn. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with him and the parishioners.

Williams said that among his episcopacy's high points was when he said Mass at St. Henry in Monticello on Catholic Schools Week. The report noted that the event honored Holy Spirit Academy and its pupils.

The bishop-elect mentioned celebrating confirmations and taking the lead in Synod leadership as two of the year's high points, according to The Catholic Spirit.

According to Williams, he belongs where the Lord has brought him. He said he is entirely dependent on God's grace and the prayers of humanity. He claimed that he believed the Lord had prepared him for the different priorities of Synod leadership.

Joseph Michalak, the director of the Office of Synod Evangelization, received praise from Bishop Williams. He also talked about the work that Synod "teams of 12" did in parishes around the archdiocese.

The Interview

Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Williams reflected on his role in guiding the Archdiocesan Synod before the anniversary of his ordination and installation on Jan. 25 last year. He provided some pertinent answers during his interview on Jan. 5.

Williams talked about his challenging days at the church. He acknowledged in the interview that defending the flock's most defenseless members is one of his most significant challenges.

Serving Archbp. Bernard Hebda, he said, is the most satisfying aspect of his job. He asserted having a leader who can discern people's gifts in such a stunning way as Archbishop Hebda.

He also thought back to his ordination day. Williams claimed that the continued COVID limits made it bitterly cold even when the church was almost full. And it was a lovely glimpse of the church from a multicultural perspective.

He said that the Synod process is a product of divine providence or a gift and that there is obedience and fruitfulness for the local church.

Pope Francis Appoints Father Williams

Pope Francis appointed F. Joseph Williams the Auxiliary Bishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis in December 2021. Williams was then ordained bishop on Jan. 25, 2022.

Bishop-elect Williams will assist Archbp. Bernard Hebda of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. The archdiocese's website said the pair will co-direct the Church in the Archdiocese, which includes the 12-county metro area. Williams will serve as Hebda's auxiliary bishop.

Williams said he felt humbled and honored that Pope Francis chose him. He added he is motivated to uphold his vows daily by his dedication to the priesthood and his profound love of God.

Archbishop Hebda also welcomed William's appointment. Hebda said the archdiocese deserves praise for selecting the appropriate candidate to serve as the Successor of the Apostles.