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	Editorial: New Era Begins for Catholics of Region Green Bay Press-Gazette August 28, 2008 http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080828/GPG0602/808280606/1269/GPG06 For Catholics in Northeastern Wisconsin, a new era begins today. And because members of the faith are so numerous here, today's events are likely to have a wide-ranging impact. David Ricken completes the journey that began in early July, when Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as the new bishop of Green Bay. For the past eight years, Ricken has served that role for the Diocese of Wyoming, in the Rocky Mountain territory where he has spent most of his life. Installation as bishop here in the relative flatlands is likely a culture shock to this gentle man with a knack for ventriloquism and celebrity impressions. By the accounts of those who know him best, he is well-suited by nature to the role of pastor. "He's not going to be a bishop you'll find in his office a lot," said the Rev. Dan Felton, Ricken's graduate school classmate who now pastors St. Francis of Assissi Catholic Church in Manitowoc. "He gets his energies from the pastoral aspect. He'll be out there with his sleeves rolled up." His brother told the Green Bay Press-Gazette about how the new bishop did a credible job of bringing an old Jerry Mahoney puppet to life at the party marking his 25th anniversary as a priest, and how David Ricken would amuse their dad with his impressions of John F. Kennedy and other luminaries. All of these remembrances give us an image of a warm and human man, the kind of person you'd welcome as leader of your faith community. The honeymoon is in full bloom. The test of his mettle in more sobering issues will come soon enough. The Midwest director for The Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests has already sent Ricken a letter, urging the new bishop during his first 100 days to release more records regarding past cases of sexual assault by clerics in the Green Bay Diocese. Ricken said the issue is "a big priority for bishops throughout the country" and added, "I hope I can be actively engaged in a healing process that actually works." It's clear SNAP will hold him to those statements. The past few years have seen consolidations of parishes and Catholic school closings and mergers throughout the diocese and, for that matter, the nation. The church also plays an integral role in dealing with community issues such as homelessness and poverty. There will be no lack of challenges for Bishop David Ricken. We wish him well and add our welcome to the good wishes that have greeted him. Now, then, about this devotion to the Denver Broncos …
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