Wednesday, August 11, 2010

New La Crosse bishop takes over in scandal's wake

The incoming Catholic bishop of the La Crosse Diocese knows he's stepping into his job in the midst of turmoil.

Bishop William Patrick Callahan was installed Wednesday and plans to celebrate Mass next Sunday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Onalaska.

That was the parish of the Rev. Patrick Umberger, who in July was charged with possessing child pornography.

Umberger has plead not guilty.

Callahan tells the La Crosse Tribune that hearing the concerns of St. Patrick's parishioners is his priority.

After that he intends to hit the road and learn more about churches across the 15,000-square-mile diocese.

Callahan is replacing as bishop Jerome Listecki, who is now the archbishop of Milwaukee.

Callahan was an auxiliary bishop in Milwaukee prior to his new appointment.

SIC: CT