A Message from Bishop Vásquez on his additional appointment by the
Holy Father

Dear Faithful of the Diocese of Austin:
 
This morning it was announced at the Vatican that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has removed Bishop Joseph E. Strickland from the office of Bishop of Tyler, Texas.  With that, the Holy Father has appointed me, as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Tyler, pending the appointment of a new Bishop of Tyler.  I accept the Holy Father’s trust in me and ask your prayers as I take on this additional responsibility.  
 
Over the next few weeks, I will be travelling to the Diocese of Tyler to be present to the clergy, diocesan staff, and lay faithful and to assess their needs. Know that I remain present to you as your Bishop, in person, in prayer, and through the Vicar General and other officials of the Diocese of Austin. I ask that you keep the Holy Father in your prayers as he discerns the next Bishop of the Diocese of Tyler. I also ask you to join me in prayer for the people of the Diocese of Tyler during this time of transition.
 
Under the continued protection of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, I remain
 
Bishop Joe Vásquez
 

(From the Diocese of Austin) To help us better understand this, here are answers to some questions:   
 
What is an Apostolic Administrator?

An Apostolic Administrator is a Bishop, usually from a nearby or neighboring diocese, appointed by the Holy Father to oversee the daily life of a diocese that is temporarily without a Bishop. He does this while continuing to be the Bishop of his own diocese.

Does this mean that Bishop Vásquez is no longer the bishop of Austin?

No, Bishop Vásquez remains Bishop of Austin during this time of transition in the Diocese of Tyler.  

How long will it take to appoint a new Bishop of Tyler?

There is no prescribed time. Pope Francis will discern through prayer and consultation and announce the new Bishop when he has made his choice.  

What will happen to Bishop Strickland? 

Bishop Strickland remains a bishop in the Catholic Church, but he no longer serves as the Bishop of Tyler.  We pray for him as he discerns his future.