Bishop John J. McRaith
From the Bishops of the Province of Louisville

With esteem I acknowledge the wonderful service to the Church of Owensboro provided by Bishop John McRaith, who today has received word that Pope Benedict XVI has accepted his resignation as Bishop of Owensboro. Since his ordination to the episcopacy more than 26 years ago, Bishop McRaith has served the Church with distinction. His pastoral heart is well known, and I have personally experienced his kindness and love for these last nine years in which we have served as bishops in the Province of Louisville. I join with Archbishop Kelly, who ordained him as a bishop, in thanking God for the gift of Bishop McRaith for more than a quarter century. I look forward to his continued pastoral activities in his retirement.

Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D.
Archbishop of Louisville

Bishop McRaith, on an early 1980 visit to the rural area of this Archdiocese, told his listeners that God had given us the earth to care for, not to exploit. He spoke gently but urgently about the stewardship responsibilities of every human being. With the same determination, he has effectively served the Church of Owensboro for over twenty-six years as its Father and Bishop. As he lays down these responsibilities in retirement, may God reward his loving fidelity and pastoral leadership in this great diocese.

Most Reverend Thomas C. Kelly, O.P.
Retired Archbishop of Louisville

For more than a quarter of a century Bishop McRaith has faithfully served the people of the Diocese of Owensboro with the heart of a true shepherd, in a gentle, caring, and loving manner. Ever faithful to the Lord, he has been a witness to the love and compassion of Christ. He has always been kind to me and welcomed me into the Province with his characteristic warmth, making me feel at home from my first day as a Bishop. I wish him every blessing!

Most Reverend Roger J. Foys, D. D.
Bishop of Covington

Pope Benedict accepted Bishop McRaith's request for retirement on the feast of Saint John Neumann, the only canonized U.S. bishop. Like Saint John Neumann, Bishop McRaith has a missionary's heart for all people, and even with his many gifts, he is a man of gentle and humble spirit. He has been a good friend, a strong support, and trusted confidant. Relieved from his administrative responsibilities, may he enjoy many good, healthy years to continue his exemplary episcopal ministry. You have my congratulations and gratitude always, Bishop John.

Most Reverend Ronald Gainer, D. D.
Bishop of Lexington

The past couple of years as the newly appointed Bishop of Nashville have offered me a number of opportunities to be in the company of Bishop McRaith. I have appreciated so very much the chance to be with this kind and gentle pastor of God's people. I wish him every blessing as he transitions into retirement.

Most Reverend David R. Choby, D.D.
Bishop of Nashville

What a gift Bishop John McRaith has been to the Church of Owensboro and to the universal Church! A gentle person whose life and ministry radiated stewardship of God's gifts, he has led the Church at Owensboro admirably for well for over twenty-six years. He guided the Church and all of us toward the Kingdom with kindness and love. In his retirement, may he continue to inspire us!

Most Reverend J. Terry Steib, S.V.D.
Bishop of Memphis

January 5, 2009

Diocese of Owensboro
600 Locust Street
Owensboro, KY 42301-2130

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of Bishop John J. McRaith, 3rd Bishop of Owensboro. A successor has not been named.

Bishop McRaith submitted his resignation to the Holy See under canon 401 §2, which requests a bishop's resignation in the event of health or other serious issues. Bishop McRaith, who is 74 and in his 27th year as Bishop of Owensboro, has been advised by his doctors to reduce his workload; "I do not have a life-threatening illness, but my doctors have advised me to slow down, and I concluded that my resignation was in the best interest of the diocese," he said. Canon 401 §1 requires a bishop to submit his resignation on his 75th birthday.

When a see is vacant and there is no auxiliary bishop, the governance of the diocese is in the hands of the diocesan College of Consultors, a diocesan body of priests that advises the bishop. The College of Consultors must elect an administrator, who will assume diocesan governance within 8 days of the vacancy. The administrator must be a priest who is at least 35 years old and who is "outstanding in doctrine and prudence" (cc425 §1-2). A new bishop will be appointed by the Holy See in 6-18 months.

Bishop John Jeremiah McRaith was ordained bishop of the Diocese of Owensboro on December 15, 1982. He graduated from St. John's Prep School in Collegeville, Minnesota, and Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. He graduated from the School of Theology, St. Bernard Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa, in 1960 and was subsequently ordained a priest of the Diocese of New Ulm, Minnesota, on February 21, 1960. Fr. McRaith served as executive director of the Catholic Rural Life Conference from 1971 to 1978.

Bishop McRaith has served on numerous committees for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), including the Ad Hoc Committee on Stewardship, which was responsible for authoring the Bishops' pastoral letter "Stewardship: A Disciples' Response." In 1986, Bishop McRaith wrote a pastoral letter on the AIDS crisis for the Diocese of Owensboro entitled "Go and Do Likewise."

Bishop McRaith is a member of the Catholic Conference of Kentucky and the Kentucky Council of Churches. In addition to shepherding the Catholic Church of Western Kentucky, Bishop McRaith serves the community as board member for Brescia University, the Daniel Pitino Center, the McAuley Free Clinic in Owensboro, and Lourdes Hospital Foundation in Paducah.

Bishop McRaith was noted for his pastoral sensitivity. His priorities have included spiritual renewal, evangelization, planning, and establishing diocesan consultative councils.

ENCLOSURE: Statements of the Bishops of the Province of Louisville.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Office of the Bishop, Diocese of Owensboro, 600 Locust Street, Owensboro, KY 42301-2130. Ph: 270-683-1545.