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While on a family vacation in the Diocese of Raleigh in June 2002, I was informed that His Holiness Pope John Paul II appointed me auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia. Four years later, through God's immense generosity and upon the appointment of Pope Benedict XVI, I return to the Diocese of Raleigh on this joyful day as its fifth bishop.

I express deep gratitude to our Holy Father for having bestowed this honor upon me. In my letter of acceptance, I conveyed to Pope Benedict that I begin this new ministry with total dependence on the Lord's divine assistance as I entrust the past to his mercy, the present to his love and the future to his providence. I assured our Holy Father that I will strive daily to be a faithful and dedicated shepherd after the heart of Christ.

I also express appreciation to Archbishop Sambi, the Apostolic Nuncio, for his pastoral concern and assurance of prayers for me and the Diocese of Raleigh. I offer special thanks to Cardinal Justin Rigali for whom I have served as an auxiliary bishop since 2003. I am most grateful for his example and for the confidence he has placed in me. I also offer my gratitude to Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, who ordained me to the episcopacy in 2002.

It is with a sense of deep respect that I reflect upon the long and generous service given to the Diocese of Raleigh by Bishop Gossman. Throughout these past 31 years of growth and vibrancy, his pastoral and spiritual leadership has been a gift to the Diocese. Bishop Gossman, you are to be commended for all that you have accomplished, and it is my hope and prayer that, with God's help, the seeds you have planted will continue to bear fruit in the years to come. Thank you for assuring me of your support, especially in this time of transition.

Time will be necessary for me to understand the unique character and diverse culture of this local church; however, my mission as the bishop of the Diocese is clear: the proclamation of Jesus Christ and His Gospel. With the Lord's help, I hope to serve without counting the cost and to preach with clarity, conviction and compassion. To accomplish this mission, I will need and depend upon my brother priests and their close collaboration. At the same time, I assure you, my brothers, of my desire to assist you in any way possible as you carry out your many pastoral responsibilities. It is my hope that all in the Diocese of Raleigh will come to know the fraternity and strong bond I have with priests.

I also greet our seminarians. Priestly formation has been a special part of my ministry as priest and bishop, and I look forward to guiding and helping you as you continue your training. May God grant you perseverance.

I also greet our permanent deacons and their wives and the consecrated religious men and women who serve in this Diocese. I thank you for your countless contributions and varied apostolates. To the lay faithful of the Diocese of Raleigh, including married couples and their families and single persons, I express appreciation for the witness of your lives and for the numerous ways you share your talents and gifts. I also remember the sick, the homebound and all in need throughout the Diocese. Please know that I lift you in prayer today and ask our Lord Jesus to bless you with His healing and saving love.

My dear young people in the Diocese of Raleigh, I echo the words of Our Holy Father in saying that the Church is young and alive. Your love for our holy Catholic Faith is a source of inspiration. I am convinced that our Lord Jesus is calling some of you to serve Him as priests and religious. I urge all in the Diocese to join me in praying daily that young people will hear and respond generously to the Lord's call.

At this time, I also extend greetings to all our brothers and sisters of other Christian faiths, our friends in the Jewish community and members of all faiths. I look forward to collaborating with you for the benefit of the entire community. I also greet the civic officials of this city and state, especially Mayor Meeker and Governor Easley. It is my hope that we and all people of good will may build and sustain strong bonds as we work together for peace and justice. My thanks to the representatives of the media who are present today. I am grateful for all that you do in the region to communicate the Good News our Diocese longs to share with others.

I respectfully ask all in the Diocese of Raleigh to pray for God's continued blessings upon us and for his protection and guidance in this time of transition. May this day be one in which we renew the promises we have made to the Lord, His Church and one another. With God's grace, may we grow in holiness, remain united in the Eucharist, boldly proclaim our Catholic Faith, protect the dignity of every human person and the sacredness of all human life and do our part each day to renew the face of the earth.

As mentioned previously, the last time I was in this Diocese I was on vacation. However, I return now with the mandate to serve, and I cannot wait to begin! I entrust my new ministry to Mary our Mother and through her to the Sacred Heart of her Son Jesus Christ, who is Lord forever.