OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
THE DIOCESE OF TOLEDO

1933 SPIELBUSCH AVENUE
TOLEDO, OHIO 43604-5360

December 27, 2010

Dear Friends in Christ,

In continuity with the history of our diocese, and to recognize and honor our clergy on the occasion of the Diocesan Centenary, I am happy to announce that at my request Pope Benedict XVI has named ten of our brothers "monsignors." Before I list their names I want to say something about this honorary title.

All relationships in the Church are familial at heart, not just institutional. Theologically and spiritually speaking, the Church is "holy mother Church." Priests are called "Father." Religious women and men are called "Sister" or "Brother." We refer to Pope Benedict as our "Holy Father" because in this world he is the visible spiritual father of the whole family of God.

This is the proper context for understanding the honor that is conferred on a priest who is named a "monsignor." The title means that he has been made an honorary member of the pope's own household. Some monsignors are honorary "chaplains" to the pope; others are honorary "prelates." This custom goes back many centuries.

Perhaps the title "monsignor" does not sound very familial. After all, the word literally means "my lord." But so does the ordinary title given to men in almost all European languages (Herr in German; Pan in Polish; Signore in Italian, Señor in Spanish, etc.). In English, "Mister" derives from "Master." In the same way, "Monsignor' is simply a title of respect.

It is not my intention to revive the custom by which certain parishes always had a monsignor as their pastor. When a pastor is named a monsignor it is an honor for his parishioners too, but that does not mean that their future pastors will always be monsignors, nor does it mean that because of their title monsignors will only be assigned to certain parishes.

My intention is simply to honor the whole presbyterate by recognizing a few representatives out of the many who faithfully teach, sanctify and shepherd the people of God. The fact that this is a papal honor also underscores, on the occasion of our Centenary, the close bonds of communion between our local church and the Holy Father in Rome.

With these considerations in mind, let me present our new monsignors.

From among our Senior Priests, the following two distinguished representatives:
Reverend Cleo S. Schmenk and Reverend Bertrand J. Shenk

From among those priests who in a number of assignments have exercised ministries that serve the whole diocese:
Reverend William J. Kubacki, Reverend Kenneth C. Morman and Reverend Charles E. Singler

From among current Pastors, which is an especially difficult choice given all the many worthy candidates, there are two who enjoy the esteem of clergy and people alike as Pastors of our two largest parishes:
Reverend Michael G. Hohenbrink and Reverend Dennis M. Metzger

Last but not least, those who hold an office of service in the diocesan curia traditionally associated with the title of monsignor:
Reverend Michael R. Billian and Reverend Marvin G. Borger (Vicars General)
Reverend Christopher P. Vasko (Judicial Vicar) .

Monsignors Hohenbrink, Metzger, Kubacki, Morman, Singler and Vasko have been appointed "Chaplains to His Holiness." In consideration of their age or the office they hold, Monsignors Schmenk, Shenk, Billian and Borger have been appointed "Prelates of Honor to His Holiness."

The process by which monsignors are named is very straightforward. I wrote to the Papal Nuncio in Washington, Archbishop Sambi, who forwarded my request to Rome. Once approved, there is an administrative fee of one hundred and fifty dollars for each Chaplain and two hundred dollars for each Prelate to cover office costs, which include a decorative scroll for each new monsignor.

Finally, with the New Year, I want to acknowledge and thank all those who sent me greetings at Christmas. Your prayers and support are very much appreciated, even though it is not possible for me to reply by mail. May all of us be blessed with a happy and healthy 2011.


Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair
Bishop of Toledo