Wednesday, July 22, 2009

ST. MARTIN DEANERY — Bishop James Garland will return to his hometown on Sunday, July 26, to celebrate two milestones in his ministry: his ordination to the priesthood in 1959 and his appointment to the episcopacy in 1984.

Bishop Garland, Bishop of Marquette since 1992, will celebrate Mass at his home parish of St. Columbkille at 11:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon reception in the parish center.

The Clinton County native, who served as auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati from 1984-1992, also directed the archdiocesan departments of community and pastoral services.

He retired as the Bishop of Marquette in 2005 and is currently executive director of the Bishop Baraga Association, working toward consideration for sainthood forthe first bishop of the Diocese of Marquette, Frederic Baraga.  In his retirement, Bishop Garland enjoys writing articles for the Marquette diocesan newspaper, reading, music and gardening. He is also a hospice volunteer.