My dear family Christ, It is hard to believe that I am celebrating my first anniversary as the 11th Bishop of Burlington. Some days it feels as if the year slipped by in the blink of an eye, and at times I think it has been much longer than a year. In any event, I wish to begin by expressing my gratitude to God for the many graces I have been given over the course of this past year, and next, to thank all of you for the incredible support you have given me since last July. I cannot imagine receiving a better welcome than I have experienced over the last 12 months. The prayerful support of parishioners from every parish has been such a source of joy and consolation.

If you have been following my travels, I have visited almost every church over the last 12 months and have been impressed by the faith exhibited in all those attending Mass. Parishes, large and small, are striving to provide reverent and welcoming liturgies. I have noticed a slight increase in the number of younger families and individuals coming to our churches, and for this we must be thankful. I also ask that we take some time to invite a family member or friend back to church so our communities can continue to grow into the future. We all know someone who has stopped practicing their Catholic faith, for any number of reasons, and I believe many are just waiting to be asked to return. Remember, we are inviting them to encounter the love and mercy of the Lord.

Our schools are working to deepen their Catholic identity and ensure excellent formation in virtue and academic excellence. While far from perfect, I believe our schools are working to become more and more places where our students and their families encounter Christ and the joy of the gospel. Religious education programs and youth ministry efforts are working to form students as faithful followers of Christ.

While I wish could I write that the last 12 months have been nothing but one joy after another, with no challenges or difficulties in sight, but that would be a lie. I have to acknowledge that our Chapter 11 Reorganization has been a challenge both personally and pastorally. While I am convinced it was the right decision, the process does occupy a great deal of time and has had impacts upon our diocesan administration and ministries. Our staffing at 55 Joy Drive is being impacted and it will take time after we emerge from bankruptcy to rebuild what is being lost. I also continue to pray for those who were hurt in the past and ask the Lord to grant them healing. Please pray we reach a just resolution soon.

Finally, we need to continue to pray and work for vocations among our youth. It was one of the themes of my confirmation homily this year, and we must continue to pray that the Lord of the harvest sends more workers into the fields of Vermont. Let’s not be afraid to encourage vocations and support those who may be discerning a call of consecrated life or priesthood.

I am blessed to be your bishop and pray I can provide the leadership required to lead us all closer to Jesus Christ.

God alone suffices,

+John J. McDermott Bishop of Burlington