My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today the Diocese of Burlington says good bye to the shepherd who has been leading us since January 29, 2015, The Most Reverend Christopher J. Coyne, 10th Bishop of Burlington, and now the Coadjutor Archbishop of Hartford. I’ve had the great honor and pleasure to have worked with Archbishop Coyne from the very first day he arrived in Vermont. I have come to know him as a man of deep faith, sincere prayer and dedicated ministry. He arrived in Vermont after the Diocese of Burlington, during the outstanding leadership of Bishop Salvatore Matano, had managed to settle multiple abuse cases and was looking for a pastor who would be able to take us forward into a new era of mission in Vermont. Archbishop Coyne accomplished this on many fronts.

Anticipating Pope Francis’s call for a universal synod, Archbishop Coyne convened the first diocesan synod in Vermont in almost 60 years. From the multiple levels of consultation the Diocese discerned several key goals, including revitalizing our parishes, improving communication and embracing the call to evangelize. While the goals of our synod have yet to be fully realized, the process exhibited Archbishop Coyne’s desire to hear from all constituencies under his pastoral care. We also have come to know him as an efficient communicator, using all means of media to communicate the Good News to all of Vermont. Personally, I have come to value his pastoral insights and advice. He has become a mentor and valued friend, all while being a true spiritual father to this parish priest. I will miss his presence, his sense of humor and his leadership. Please join me in praying for Archbishop Coyne as he assumes his new position in Hartford.

We now are in a period of waiting for a new bishop. I will be serving as the diocesan administrator during the interregnum, which means I’m being tasked with holding the diocese together until our new bishop is appointed. I held a similar position in 2014 between Bishop Matano’s departure for Rochester and Archbishop Coyne’s arrival. It is added responsibility and so I am asking for your prayers and be assured of my prayers for all of you.

ALMIGHTY GOD, Eternal shepherd and guide. In your love for us, grant to the Diocese of Burlington a shepherd who will lead us to be Christ’s heart of mercy, voice of hope, and hands of justice. Help him to fill our minds and hearts with the truth of the Gospel, the power of the sacraments, and the desire to build up your holy Church.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Msgr. John J. McDermott