Consultors elect new administrator

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
April 1, 2004

A veteran priest who has served in several parishes, schools and diocesan offices across northwest Iowa has been named administrator of the Diocese of Sioux City.

Msgr. Roger J. Augustine, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Moville, was elected by the College of Consultors to serve as the administrator of the diocese until a new bishop is appointed by Pope John Paul II.

"My reaction is gratitude for the confidence and trust that was placed in me by the consultors," said Msgr. Augustine. "I am willing to assume these responsibilities."

According to Msgr. Michael D. Sernett, chancellor of the diocese, the March 30 election was conducted by Msgr. Mervin Hood, who was the senior consultor in both ordination and age.

As of the election, held at Sacred Heart Church in Early, Msgr. Augustine assumes his position as administrator immediately.

In accord with Canon Law, the College of Consultors - the bishop's consultative body - was charged with the task of electing a new administrator within eight days of March 26. That is the day that Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo officially took canonical possession of his new office as the coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston.

Members of the consultors are Father Paul-Louis Arts, Msgr. Roger Augustine, Father Timothy Hogan, Msgr. Mervin Hood, Father Alfred McCoy, Father Victor Ramaeker, Father Robert Schimmer, Msgr. Michael D. Sernett and Father John Thomas. All members were present for the March 30 election.

In making their decision, the consultors agreed that Msgr. Augustine brings a wealth of knowledge to this position having served as vicar general of the diocese since 1985. He also served as chancellor of the diocese for two years in the mid-1980s.

The chancellor said he was delighted with the appointment of Msgr. Augustine.

"I look forward to working with Msgr. Augustine. He certainly has the experience and knowledge of the diocese. I will be more than happy to do whatever I can to help him in his job of guiding the diocese until we have a new bishop," said Msgr. Sernett.

Father Ramaeker, pastor at St. Michael Church in Whittemore, also felt this was a good decision on the part of the consultors.

"Msgr. Augustine has the confidence and the respect not only of the consultors but also of the priests of the diocese," he said. "I am optimistic and confident in his ability to serve as administrator during this period of time. I am confident that he will act wisely and courageously in this role."

Father Ramaeker invited the prayers of both the priests and people.

Father Paul-Louis Arts, rector of the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City, mentioned that Msgr. Augustine is well equipped to serve in this capacity given his past working experience.

"He knows the ins and outs of the diocese and how it operates," he said. "This shows a continuity of the church as we wait for the Holy Father to give us a new shepherd. We will be in a maintenance-mode with a good leader, a good administrator to keep things going."

Msgr. Hood, a retired priest of the diocese who resides in Fort Dodge, said Msgr. Augustine not only knows the diocese very well but he also knows the priests of the diocese.

"I think he was one of the logical choices for administrator," he added. "I think he will hold the confidence of the diocese and show a lot of leadership. I am certain that with the credentials that monsignor brings to this position, the people will be very supportive of our elected administrator."

The 72-year Augustine is a native of Geddes, South Dakota. He has been a priest of the Diocese of Sioux City for nearly 45 years having been ordained in Rome in 1959. During his years of service, Msgr. Augustine has served in many capacities in schools and parishes throughout the diocese.

Msgr. Augustine, a graduate of the former Holy Name High School in Marcus, holds degrees from Loras College, Pontifical Gregorian University and Creighton University.

He said that his experience as a pastor, chancellor and vicar general would aid him "to act in the role that has been given to him. I have been very much involved in the work of the church of the diocese - working closely with Bishop DiNardo and Bishop Soens."

With the help of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the people, Msgr. Augustine said he was willing to accept this position. As the administrator, he will work closely with the chancellor as well as with the College of Consultors.

"My purpose right now is to see that the ordinary work of the diocese continues until the Holy Father appoints a new bishop," he said. "I will try to help the people grow in their faith and to help us all grow as a church."

After Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo, former bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City, was appointed coadjutor of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston this diocese became a vacant see, a first in the diocese's 102-year history.

There is no timetable as to when the Holy Father will make an appointment of a new bishop for the Diocese of Sioux City.