The community welcomes the new bishop during a press conference.
GAYLORD -- It's a transition that happens every so often in Catholic dioceses: a bishop steps down and a new one steps up to the job.
For the Catholic diocese of Gaylord, Pope Benedict XVI has named Reverend Monsignor Bernard Hebda as the new bishop. He's replacing Bishop Patrick Cooney whose retiring after 20 years with the diocese.
"I think it's something to rejoice in and I think he's one of the best people that could have been chosen for it," says Bishop Cooney.
Bishop-Elect Hebda of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, comes to northern Michigan after working 11 years at the Vatican.
"I hope to be able to profit from those experiences in Rome. Really all that I was able to witness the last years with Pope John Paul who such a wonderful bishop and also for these first years for Pope Benedict," says Bishop-elect Hebda.
"His 11 years in Rome as working there would give him certain insights that may miss us here," says Bishop Cooney.
"Bishop Elect Hebda says he's not only looking forward to starting his work here at the diocese but also bringing a fresh perspective to the Catholic Church."
"I would certainly like to be involved in the work of education, certainly would like to be involved in promoting priestly vocations. I think that's so important," says Bishop-elect Hebda.
Meanwhile, bishop Cooney says the replacement now gives him more time with his family and a chance to enjoy retirement.
"I don't have any specific plans except that I do plan to move to the metropolitan Detroit area. I have two sisters and a brother down there that I haven't seen that frequently since I've been here," says Bishop Cooney.
The process in which Bishop-Elect Hebda formally replaces Bishop Cooney is known as the Installation. It's scheduled to take place December first at the Diocese of Gaylord.
