The Lord's Supper by James Tissot
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Brothers,

In these first days of his ministry among us, Archbishop James Golka has already set a clear pastoral tone, one marked by humility, closeness, and a call to walk with Christ not from a distance, but from within the heart of His mission. He reminds us that the Church is not something we manage, but a communion we enter, rooted in relationship with Jesus and expressed in sacrificial love.

Before anything else, I want to thank you. So many of you were visible signs of that communion, present at the installation liturgies, gathered at our first dinner with Archbishop Golka, and generously serving behind the scenes to ensure everything unfolded with reverence and excellence. Your fraternal presence and quiet service spoke volumes. You made the unity of bishop, priest, and deacon not just an idea, but something real and seen.

And I also want to affirm what I know to be true: that you are men of prayer, faithful, grounded, and striving daily to remain close to the Lord.

It is precisely from that place of strength that this Sunday’s Gospel speaks to us. Judas was close to Jesus physically, yet distant interiorly. He shared the table, heard the words, even participated in the sacred moment, yet his heart had begun to drift. 

For us, this is not a rebuke, but a reminder. 

Proximity is not the same as communion. Our ministry places us near the sacred, but it is our prayer that keeps us united to the Lord. Archbishop Golka’s early preaching calls us deeper, not just to serve Christ, but to be conformed to Him with undivided hearts.

Brothers, continue what you are already doing so well: remain rooted in prayer, vigilant in heart, and generous in service. Guard against the subtle drift that can come through distraction or fatigue and renew daily the gift you have received.

We are not merely near Christ; we are configured to Christ the Servant.

“Surely, it is not I, Lord?”

May that question remain not one of fear, but of humble fidelity, lived each day in communion with Him and with one another.

With gratitude and fraternity +

In Christ the Servant + Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Receive + Believe + Teach + Practice