My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“In the end, there are three things that last: faith and hope and love, and the greatest of these is love.” These words from the Sacred Scriptures (I Cor 13:13) fill my mind and heart as I give thanks to God for the privilege of serving as your bishop for the past 22 years. Our health does not last; our “jobs” do not last; our earthly plans do not last, no matter how good and worthwhile these may be. But faith and hope and love last. What a blessing to have been given these by God.
It was love that led me to Gallup and love that still unites me with you today: the love of God that comes to us in Christ, the love that is especially present in the Blessed Sacrament. This love will not diminish as I adjust to retirement and as you prepare to receive a new bishop through the providence of God and the choice of Pope Benedict XVI. Love never fails; no matter what comes, love endures.
I also praise God for the gift of the Catholic faith that we share. Times of transition test our faith and challenge our hope. Like Abraham, we must leave behind what is familiar and dear to us and must allow the Lord to lead us in ways unknown. Let us pray for one another at this time of transition for both you and me, that our faith in God may be strong. May each of us “Strengthen One Another” (Rom.14:19) as we go through these challenging times.
I want to say a special word of thanks to those who have collaborated so generously with me over the past 22 years, in particular my brother priests and deacons and our consecrated men and women religious. I shall always carry you in my heart. I am deeply grateful to you, the lay faithful of this local Church, to all of you who serve or have served on diocesan councils and parish councils and in the many ministries and services of the Church. Above all, I thank the married couples and parents for building up the Church through your faithful love of one another.
Faith, hope and love last, because they are from God. Put all your trust in him; He will not fail us. And know that you are in my prayers always.
Fraternally in Christ,
Most Rev. Donald E. Pelotte, SSS
Bishop Emeritus of Gallup
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Confirmation Schedule 2009
A Confirmation Schedule proposal was requested by Bishop Olmsted to be presented for discussion and approval by the Bishop and the Diocesan Consultors. The following schedule was presented and approved at the August 28, 2008 meeting of the Diocesan Consultors. This schedule is made according to the expectation that Bishop Olmsted will still be the Apostolic Administrator. Should a new Ordinary be named beforehand, he will be free to perhaps add to this schedule, however, it is unlikely that he would change it. Bishop Olmsted and the Diocesan Consultors decided that it was necessary to have the schedule in place.
There will only be one Confirmation with Bishop Olmsted scheduled in each deanery. All pastors/administrators are asked to see that all who are to be confirmed in any given deanery make every effort to participate in the scheduled liturgies rather than to be confirmed by a delegate at another time.
1). Thursday, April 16, 2009 6:30 pm. St. Michaels, St. Michaels
2). Thursday, April 30, 2009 6:30 pm. St. Teresa, Grants.
3). Thursday, May 7, 2009 6:30 pm. St. Mary of the Angels, Pinetop.
4). Thursday, May 28, 2009 6:30 pm. OLO Guadalupe, Holbrook
5). Saturday, May 30, 2009 10:00 am. Sacred Heart, Farmington.
6). Suturday, May 30, 2009 5:15 pm. Sacred Heart Cathedral, Gallup.
There will only be one Confirmation with Bishop Olmsted scheduled in each deanery. All pastors/administrators are asked to see that all who are to be confirmed in any given deanery make every effort to participate in the scheduled liturgies rather than to be confirmed by a delegate at another time.
1). Thursday, April 16, 2009 6:30 pm. St. Michaels, St. Michaels
2). Thursday, April 30, 2009 6:30 pm. St. Teresa, Grants.
3). Thursday, May 7, 2009 6:30 pm. St. Mary of the Angels, Pinetop.
4). Thursday, May 28, 2009 6:30 pm. OLO Guadalupe, Holbrook
5). Saturday, May 30, 2009 10:00 am. Sacred Heart, Farmington.
6). Suturday, May 30, 2009 5:15 pm. Sacred Heart Cathedral, Gallup.
Monday, August 25, 2008
The Challenge of Faithful Citizenship
All are invited!
“The Challenge of Faithful Citizenship” 9 am – 2:30 pm, Sept. 27 at Sacred Heart Family Center. Presenters: Kathy Bowman, Navajo Nation Public Defender; Fr. Eduardo Espinoza, OFM, S. Francis, Gallup; S. Rose Marie Cecchini, Diocesan Office of Peace, Justice and Creation. Catechists can also pick up ideas to use in teaching presented by Barbara Kozeliski, and Mary Ann and Don Frank The day is based on the U.S. Bishops letter-“Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” No cost. Potluck lunch at noon. Diocesan certificate of attendance will be given.
“The Challenge of Faithful Citizenship” 9 am – 2:30 pm, Sept. 27 at Sacred Heart Family Center. Presenters: Kathy Bowman, Navajo Nation Public Defender; Fr. Eduardo Espinoza, OFM, S. Francis, Gallup; S. Rose Marie Cecchini, Diocesan Office of Peace, Justice and Creation. Catechists can also pick up ideas to use in teaching presented by Barbara Kozeliski, and Mary Ann and Don Frank The day is based on the U.S. Bishops letter-“Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” No cost. Potluck lunch at noon. Diocesan certificate of attendance will be given.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
VIRTUS - PROTECTING GOD'S CHILDREN
VIRTUS – Protecting God’s Children Safe Environment Training will be offered on Saturday, August 9, 2008
From 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Family Center in Gallup. Corner of Woodrow and Green.
For Registration phone 505-722-6644
From 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Family Center in Gallup. Corner of Woodrow and Green.
For Registration phone 505-722-6644
VIRTUS - Protecting God's Children
VIRTUS – Protecting God’s Children Safe Environment Training will be offered on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
From 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the San Damiano Center in Gallup on the corner of Maloney and 3rd.
For Registration phone 505-863-3145
From 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the San Damiano Center in Gallup on the corner of Maloney and 3rd.
For Registration phone 505-863-3145
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Statement from the Diocese of Gallup
****** STATEMENT *****
Diocese of GallupPastoral Center Office
P.O. Box 1338Gallup, New Mexico 87305
Contact: Deacon Timoteo Lujan, Chancellor; Lee Lamb, Communications DirectorPhone: 505.863.4406 (office) 505.409.5697 (cell)
E-mail: voicesw@gmail.com
Gallup Diocese Comments on Release of Bishop Pelotte Photos.
The Catholic faithful of our diocese—who have known and loved Bishop Donald Pelotte throughout his 22 years of service to New Mexico and beyond—continue their prayers for him during his ongoing recovery. The publication of the bishop's photos, taken without his consent while he lay in the hospital as a private citizen and medical patient, add unnecessary stress not only to the bishop, but to the people who have intimately loved him as their spiritual father. On the day of July 23, 2007, when Bishop Pelotte was admitted to a Gallup hospital, the physicians attending to him were responsible for his healing; the police who came out of procedure to question and photograph the bishop were there to determine the cause of his injuries; and I was there, as chancellor and as the bishop's spiritual brother to care for him. Let me make it clear that the Catholic Church lives out the Gospel with truth and integrity, and this includes this situation. We are not covering up—as some have alluded to—any information pertaining to the cause or nature of Bishop Pelotte's injuries. It is the responsibility of the emergency services in Gallup to investigate or determine that. Our job as a faithful Catholic people is to continue our spiritual support of our brother, Bishop Donald Pelotte. The only consolation we have in this whole tragic affair is that, like our Lord, Bishop Pelotte is being ridiculed and mistreated. He must surely be identifying closely with the experience of Jesus, whose wounds and nakedness were put on display by the Romans at the Crucifixion.
Deacon Timoteo Lujan
Chancellor and Assistantto the Bishop
Diocese of GallupPastoral Center Office
P.O. Box 1338Gallup, New Mexico 87305
Contact: Deacon Timoteo Lujan, Chancellor; Lee Lamb, Communications DirectorPhone: 505.863.4406 (office) 505.409.5697 (cell)
E-mail: voicesw@gmail.com
Gallup Diocese Comments on Release of Bishop Pelotte Photos.
The Catholic faithful of our diocese—who have known and loved Bishop Donald Pelotte throughout his 22 years of service to New Mexico and beyond—continue their prayers for him during his ongoing recovery. The publication of the bishop's photos, taken without his consent while he lay in the hospital as a private citizen and medical patient, add unnecessary stress not only to the bishop, but to the people who have intimately loved him as their spiritual father. On the day of July 23, 2007, when Bishop Pelotte was admitted to a Gallup hospital, the physicians attending to him were responsible for his healing; the police who came out of procedure to question and photograph the bishop were there to determine the cause of his injuries; and I was there, as chancellor and as the bishop's spiritual brother to care for him. Let me make it clear that the Catholic Church lives out the Gospel with truth and integrity, and this includes this situation. We are not covering up—as some have alluded to—any information pertaining to the cause or nature of Bishop Pelotte's injuries. It is the responsibility of the emergency services in Gallup to investigate or determine that. Our job as a faithful Catholic people is to continue our spiritual support of our brother, Bishop Donald Pelotte. The only consolation we have in this whole tragic affair is that, like our Lord, Bishop Pelotte is being ridiculed and mistreated. He must surely be identifying closely with the experience of Jesus, whose wounds and nakedness were put on display by the Romans at the Crucifixion.
Deacon Timoteo Lujan
Chancellor and Assistantto the Bishop
Monday, July 28, 2008
Diocese Comments on the Release of Bishop Donald Pelotte Medical Photos
Gallup (July 28, 2008) – We would like to make clear that the impetus for this civil lawsuit between the city of Gallup and Larry Barker, investigative reporter for KRQE, was to answer the question, Are police photos public records or not? Unfortunately, photos taken without the consent of a private citizen—Bishop Donald Pelotte—as a medical patient were used as the example to determine this case. Barker's attorney, Martin Esquivel, made the assertion early on that the city of Gallup's legal action against Barker "undermines the policy behind the Public Records Act that is the duty of public officials to provide people with the greatest information possible regarding governmental affairs." While Bishop Pelotte might be considered a public figure, he is not a public official—and his fall in his private residence last summer was not a governmental affair. Sadly, now that this case has been settled to determine the release of these photos, the question regarding the now use of the photos is to be determined by the media. At this time, the diocese would simply restate the appeal Bishop Thomas Olmsted made to David Pederson, the city attorney for Gallup, on March 16, 2008:
"…Nonetheless, because as I understand it, the Police Department authorized the taking of the photographs without Bishop Pelotte's consent and still possesses them, and out of concern for the personal and human dignity of Bishop Pelotte and his rights as a private citizen, especially his right to privacy, I appeal to the City of Gallup to protect the rights and dignity of Bishop Pelotte.. Given the significant contribution to the welfare of many people in the City of Gallup and beyond over the course of the past 20 years, I am concerned that Bishop Pelotte's good name not be harmed in anyway."
We are aware of the upcoming broadcast interview with Bishop Pelotte conducted by Larry Barker, and the diocese anticipates wider distribution of these photos in the media. Again, we respectfully ask those who are decision-makers within their organization to recognize the decades of service Bishop Pelotte gave to our communities, his dignity as a human being and spiritual leader—and respect his right to privacy.
Deacon Timoteo Lujan, Chancellor
Administrative Assistant to the Bishop
"…Nonetheless, because as I understand it, the Police Department authorized the taking of the photographs without Bishop Pelotte's consent and still possesses them, and out of concern for the personal and human dignity of Bishop Pelotte and his rights as a private citizen, especially his right to privacy, I appeal to the City of Gallup to protect the rights and dignity of Bishop Pelotte.. Given the significant contribution to the welfare of many people in the City of Gallup and beyond over the course of the past 20 years, I am concerned that Bishop Pelotte's good name not be harmed in anyway."
We are aware of the upcoming broadcast interview with Bishop Pelotte conducted by Larry Barker, and the diocese anticipates wider distribution of these photos in the media. Again, we respectfully ask those who are decision-makers within their organization to recognize the decades of service Bishop Pelotte gave to our communities, his dignity as a human being and spiritual leader—and respect his right to privacy.
Deacon Timoteo Lujan, Chancellor
Administrative Assistant to the Bishop
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