By Father Nicholas Dudo
“I will appoint for you shepherds after my own heart.” (Jeremiah 3:15)
In the New American Bible (NAB), the section in which this text is found is titled, “Restoration of Israel.” In the Introduction to the Book, the NAB provides the following, “The Book of Jeremiah … portrays a nation in crisis and introduces the reader to an extraordinary person whom the Lord called to prophesy under the trying circumstances.”
Reflecting on Bishop Sullivan’s legacy, as he concludes 12 years of episcopal leadership in our Diocese and begins a well-deserved ministerial transition, I believe this quote, this title and this description relating to the ministry of Jeremiah can be applied, with some adaptation, to the state of affairs in the Diocese of Camden throughout Bishop Sullivan’s term; and, more importantly, the service and shepherding he offered in response.
Not a nation, but a diocese “in crisis” is a reasonable description of the recurring reality endured the by the People of God in South Jersey – laity, religious and clergy alike – in these past 12 years. The fallout of the parish mergers, which were necessary but challenging; the effect of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report and how it stirred up memories of the sins of some clergy; the financial “bleeding” and overburdening administration of the diocesan-owned healthcare facilities; COVID; entering reorganization (bankruptcy), and the low number of vocations in service of the Church, particularly the priesthood, are the major issues Bishop Sullivan faced as the “overseer” of the Diocese of Camden. He faced them not only with rational and collegial decision-making, but with faith, love and hope.
The “restoration of Camden” was Bishop Sullivan’s driving force. Like Jeremiah, Bishop Sullivan was called “to prophesy under trying circumstances,” sharing the Good News with a hurting community. At times, this meant making tough decisions. However, each decision was accompanied with Bishop Sullivan’s concern, compassion and personal interaction with the sheep of his flock, helping to lift them up and carry them from peril to pasture, in imitation of the Good Shepherd.
One of Bishop Sullivan’s priorities during his tenure was to address the priest vocation crisis and bolster the health and wellness of the men who already laid their life down for Christ and His Church.
Under his leadership, he appointed priests as vocations directors who demonstrate a genuine love for the priesthood and witness joy in being a priest. Opportunities for encounter, such as iRace4Vocations and Project Andrew Dinners, were organized and presented as relaxed spaces for young men to “come and see” what priesthood is like. Bishop Sullivan composed a Prayer for Vocations, encouraging the faithful to “pray to the Lord of the harvest.”
His attention and solicitude to the formation of priests also extended to those already ordained. Bishop Sullivan insisted that the priests in the Diocese of Camden be given quality experiences for continuing education and spiritual formation, conveyed through workshops, days of recollection and the annual Presbyteral Convocation. When presented with an initiative to provide resources to priests for personal development and individual coaching, Bishop Sullivan wholeheartedly supported the effort. When a priest found himself in crisis, Bishop Sullivan offered him help, through various means, forging a pathway toward healing and reconciliation.
Along these lines, Bishop Sullivan’s decision to correlate the number of Sunday and Vigil Masses with the number of priests assigned to the parish was deemed necessary for preserving the health of the presbyterate, whose smaller numbers were being stretched thin. This decision to consolidate Masses was met with much resistance when first proposed, and then again when enacted in each parish. However, over the past 18 months, most people recognize the wisdom of this decree. Parishioners enjoy Mass with a larger number of the community gathered, which affords a more vibrant experience of worship; and the clergy, priests and deacons are less burdened and able to focus their energy in ministry.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a classic definition of the word “crisis” is “the turning point for better or worse in an acute disease.” The etymology, or root, of the word is the Greek term krinein, meaning “to judge or decide.”
A true leader is one who recognizes a crisis and has the courage to address it and make the tough decisions that lead to resolution and improvement. A true shepherd is a leader who acts with love and compassion.
The Diocese of Camden has been blessed with “an extraordinary person whom the Lord called to prophesy under the trying circumstances,” in the servant, priest and bishop, Dennis J. Sullivan. The God and Father of all surely appointed a shepherd “after [His] own heart.” In response, we say, “Thank you, Lord, and thank you Bishop Sullivan.”
Father Nicholas Dudo is vicar for clergy for the Diocese of Camden.
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