It is a day of celebration for the Galveston-Houston archdiocese -- and not just because today is Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday.
Pope Benedict the 16th has named Monsignor George Sheltz as the new auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
The bishop-elect is a Houston native. Sheltz attended Saint Thomas High School and Saint Thomas University. He also comes from a family who has collectively given 150 years of ordained ministry to our city.
In his new role, Bishop-Elect Sheltz will continue his administrative duties at the chancery but also serve as an assistant to Cardinal Dinardo, doing such things as performing confirmations.
"This diocese has grown so rapidly, we have a million and a half Catholics. There are times when the bishop needs to be in two places at one time," said Bishop-Elect Sheltz. "This gives an opportunity for us to be able to go out when those needs for the Bishop are present to be able to meet the needs of the people."
Bishop-Elect Sheltz has a good sense of humor, adding that at his age of 65 most people are thinking about retirement. He, on the other hand, is going through a career change.
Bishop-Elect Sheltz will be ordained in April.
