June 12, 2007 — It is a great joy to welcome Archbishop Kurtz as the new shepherd of the Archdiocese of Louisville. The Holy Father has given us a highly qualified bishop, and we are very grateful. Archbishop Kurtz comes to us with more than seven years of pastoral experience in the Diocese of Knoxville and 27 years of priestly ministry in the Diocese of Allentown. In his roles as director of Catholic Charities and with the Catholic Conference of Pennsylvania, Bishop Kurtz demonstrated a great love of the poor coupled with proven administrative ability. He served in parish ministry in Pennsylvania, and I know that this experience will serve him well as he ministers with and to the active and engaged parishioners of the Archdiocese of Louisville.  His work in family ministry and on life issues with the bishops’ conference will resonate with the people of Kentucky who have such a strong sense of family and community.  Bishop Kurtz has demonstrated that he will be a bishop of virtue and talent — a father to us all.

I also welcome Archbishop Kurtz as a real brother and close friend. I have valued working with him since his appointment as Bishop of Knoxville, and I know how much the people of his diocese will miss him. Bishop Kurtz has brought much and gained much from his experience in the Diocese of Knoxville. I wish him all the best as he pastors this wonderful local church; I cannot imagine a better match for the Archdiocese of Louisville.