A Bishop's Obligations-Teaching, sanctifying, guiding

Being a shepherd after the Heart of Jesus the Good Shepherd, carrying out the work of the new evangelization, means, first of all, studying deeply the truths of the Catholic faith and faithfully handing on those truths by means of preaching, teaching and the use of the communications media. It means preparing priests to be shepherds of the flock, authentic teachers of the faith. It also means assuring that catechists and Catholic-school teachers, both lay faithful and consecrated persons, are prepared to work with the priests in the teaching of the faith.
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Hand-in-hand with the deeper knowledge of the faith goes the greater love of Christ in the sacraments. The bishop must constantly deepen his participation in the sacramental life so that he can bring the sacraments to all the faithful. He fulfills his responsibility by preparing priests to be true ministers of sacramental grace, above all, through the worthy celebration of the Holy Eucharist and through sacramental absolution given in the Sacrament of Penance. He also prepares permanent deacons for ordination, so that they may assist him and the priests.

Lastly, the bishop must govern the diocese or archdiocese entrusted to his pastoral care, so that in every aspect of the life of the Church, from teaching to administration of temporal goods, Christ may draw us into the unity of love, which He shares with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Unity expresses itself in obedience to the will of the Father, for which the Holy Spirit inspires and strengthens us.
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From Archbishop Raymond Burke's Jan 13th Column in the St. Louis Review.


January 6 was the 11th anniversary of Archbishop Burke's episcopal ordination. He has a request which all of us can and should fulfill. He asks for prayers for him and for our priests:

My little reflection makes clear the weighty responsibility of the bishop as a true shepherd of the flock. Considering the responsibilities of the bishop, together with his priests, please pray daily for me and our priests, asking that we may be faithful, generous and loving shepherds, after the Heart of Christ, the Good Shepherd.

Please respond graciously to this request for our prayers and let us also give thanks to Almighty God for providing us with a faithful and courageous shepherd.