Wading Into the Shallow Water

One of my favorite places in the world to go is Grand Isle. I love the peacefulness of the beach, and I love to swim in the gulf water. When I go swimming at the beach, I don’t begin by diving into the deep water. I start by wading in the shallow water, feet sinking gently into the mud, trying not to step on a crab, learning the terrain one careful step at a time. Over these past few weeks, as I have begun my new assignment as vicar general of the Diocese, this image has stayed with me. I am wading in, slowly discovering how God is asking me to serve in this new ministry.

As many of you know, the vicar general is called primarily to be a support to the bishop. He is described as the bishop’s “other self”: A companion in ministry who assists the bishop in carrying out the pastoral, administrative, and spiritual responsibilities entrusted to him. Some days that support looks practical: helping coordinate projects, offering consultation, or making myself available for the countless decisions that cross his desk. Other days, support looks more contemplative. Standing beside him in prayer, listening with him for what the Holy Spirit is inviting our diocese to become.

One of the blessings of serving with Bishop Simon Peter is his commitment to discernment. He does not rush into meetings or decisions. Instead, he leads from a place of deep listening. Frequently, before we speak about a sensitive issue or weigh a significant decision, we begin not with conversation, but in the chapel kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament. There, in that posture of prayer, we ask the Lord to speak first. We ask for wisdom, and the freedom to follow wherever Christ leads. This rhythm of prayer before action has already shaped the way I approach this new ministry.

Though I am only about a month into this role, I can honestly say that the opportunity to support Bishop Simon Peter has brought me great fulfillment and peace.  There is a joy in being able to offer fraternal support to him, as he is giving so much of himself to shepherd our diocese. To walk with him, to pray with him, and to serve alongside him is both a gift and a responsibility that I do not take lightly. And yet, I know I am still in the shallow waters, learning the expectations, discovering the responsibilities, and discerning how God desires to use me in this ministry. But even in these early steps, the Lord is clear. He is telling me to stay close to the bishop, stay close to the people of our Diocese, and most importantly, stay close to Him.

My hope is that as I continue to wade deeper into this new role, I will do so with a heart rooted in prayer, a spirit open to collaboration, and a willingness to serve wherever the Church needs me most. Please keep Bishop Simon Peter and me in your prayers as together we seek to follow Christ faithfully in service to the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. If these first days are any indication, the Lord is already at work, and the water, even in the unknown, is filled with grace.