Bishops Boyea and Mengeling at Lansing introduction.

Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Earl Boyea is named the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Lansing. Bishop Boyea takes over for Bishop Carl Mengeling, 77, who submitted his letter of resignation to Pope Benedict XVI in the fall of 2005. 

 

After acknowledging and thanking Bishop Mengeling for his 12 years as Lansing's bishop, Cardinal Adam Maida noted that Bishop Boyea had a "deep passion for learning, for studying and sharing the faith, and preaching the Gospel."  He added that Bishop Boyea "will be a strong advocate for evangelization and Catholic education."

 

Comprised of 10 counties in mid-Michigan, including Genesee and Washtenaw, there are 222,500 Catholics in the Lansing diocese. The most recent statistics indicate 179 priests, 105 deacons, 97 parishes, and 39 schools.  For the past two years, the diocese has been involved in a process similar to "Together in Faith," evaluating the viability of its churches, tracking clergy personnel trends, and planning for the future.  Plans call for the first draft of recommendations to be presented to the bishop in June. 

 

 Introductory remarks at St. Mary Cathedral, February 27, 2008 

 

In his introductory remarks at St. Mary Cathedral on February 27, Bishop Boyea, 56, thanked Pope Benedict XVI for entrusting to him the Lansing diocese.  "Who would not be joyful to become a part of such a faith-filled and love-filled family?" the bishop asked. "The reputation of this diocese for its devotion to Christ Jesus is widespread."

 

Born and raised in Oakland County, Bishop Boyea was ordained to the priesthood 30 years ago. Over half of his years in priestly ministry have involved seminary formation. He was named an auxiliary bishop of Detroit in 2002. The installation liturgy is scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in East Lansing.