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It’s a bit like an extra set of silverware – not really necessary for day-to-day life but nice to have on special occasions.
It’s the Roman Catholic title of monsignor – an honor that carries no duties but may add distinction during official celebrations.
This week, seven priests in the Fort Wayne-South Bend Roman Catholic Diocese were granted the title by Pope Benedict XVI at the request of Bishop John M. D’Arcy.
New monsignors in Fort Wayne include the Rev. Robert Schulte, rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and diocesan vicar general and chancellor; the Rev. Bruce Piechocki, judicial vicar and director of the marriage tribunal; the Rev. Bernard G. Galic, director of vocations; and the Rev. John Kuzmich, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.
Also named monsignor is the Rev. Raymond J. Balzer, a retired priest who formerly served at St. Patrick parish in Fort Wayne, Immaculate Conception parish in Auburn and St. Rose of Lima parish in Monroeville.
Vincent LaBarbera, diocesan spokesman, says being named a monsignor does not represent a promotion or elevation in rank.
“Monsignor is not itself an appointment but a form of address,” he says. “Properly speaking, one cannot be … ‘the monsignor of a parish.’ It is a title associated with an honorary award.”
Other titles associated with monsignor include “Chaplain to His Holiness,” LaBarbera says, but that carries no function.
In previous eras, monsignors would have been identified in ecclesial gatherings by a three-cornered miter trimmed in red and a special red-trimmed cassock. But all that has gone by the wayside in this more “informal” era, he says.
But monsignors might be called on for special roles in important Masses, lead processions of priests or meet with visiting church dignitaries, LaBarbera adds
The title replaces the customary priestly “Father” with “Monsignor” verbally on formal occasions and “the Rev.” with “Msgr.” in writing.
Bestowed during the papally proclaimed Year for Priests, the monsignorships serve mostly as a measure of gratitude from D’Arcy before his impending retirement, LaBarbera said.
“It’s a title that hasn’t been conferred (locally) for a while. It’s something (the bishop) wanted to do. It’s kind of a thank you to people who have been a big help to him in his ministry,” he says.
All the newly honored priests have important administrative roles in the diocese in addition to their priestly duties.
They will be honored at an installation Mass in the Cathedral on a date to be determined, LaBarbera says. Recipient Kuzmich says the title “caught me by surprise” but pleased his parishioners.
“Oh my, how does it make me feel? I obviously feel honored to be given that title, I guess, in recognition for the work I have done in my priesthood, which I love,” he says.
Schulte says the title will take some getting used to. He remembers being somewhat in awe of a local monsignor as a youngster growing up in St. Peter’s parish in Fort Wayne.
“It kind of made me feel like a senior priest,” says Schulte, ordained in 1975. “I’ve been ‘Father Bob’ for 34 years.”
The diocese has three other active monsignors – Monsignor J. William Lester, who serves as vicar of retired clergy; Monsignor John M. Suelzer, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo parish in Fort Wayne; and Monsignor James J. Wolf, pastor of Sacred Heart parish in Warsaw.
The Rev. Michael W. Heintz, rector of St. Matthew Cathedral in South Bend, and the Rev. William C. Schooler, pastor of St. Pius X parish in Granger, were also named monsignors this week.
The pope also honored John Cavadini, a theology professor at the University of Notre Dame, by naming him to the Order of the Knights of St. Gregory the Great.
