Exiit qui seminat

This past Tuesday, May 21, 2024, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Joseph Williams, an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Minneapolis and St. Paul, as coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Camden. First and foremost, we thank Bishop Sullivan for his unbelievable service as the 8th bishop of the diocese and we look forward to Bishop Williams' ministry as our particular successor to the Apostles. So WHAT, might you ask, is a coadjutor? Canon 403 paragraph 1 of the Code of Canon Law states that when pastoral needs require it, the Holy See can appoint a coadjutor to help assist the diocesan bishop in his duties as chief shepherd of the flock and has the right of succession, meaning that once Bishop Sullivan officially retires, Bishop Williams will become the 9 th bishop of Camden. In one sense, being named a coadjutor bishop is like "on the job training". Bishop Williams will work hand in hand with Bishop Sullivan to learn and understand the many different people, situation and issues of the diocese. But it's more than just an "onboarding process". Being named coadjutor means that Bishop Williams has many of the same responsibilities and ministries as Bishop Sullivan. If Bishop Sullivan is away for some reason or God forbid, is sick, then Bishop Williams by both law and fact operates as the local ordinary (the canon law term for diocesan bishop). So in the short term, Bishop Sullivan is still the bishop of the Diocese of Camden and Bishop Williams will be sharing in his ministry until the time comes for the new bishop to take on the full responsibility of shepherding the Diocese of Camden. Bishop Williams spoke at his introductory press conference about how blessed and excited he was to get to know the diocese and her people. He even spoke about our little corner of the diocese and the diverse community that lives and prays in the Garden Spot of the Garden State! Let us pray for both Bishop Sullivan and Bishop Williams as the Diocese of Camden embarks on a new chapter!