By Paula Day

A man with vision and complete trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, coupled with accessibility and an unassuming manner, is the way his North Carolina associates describe Atlanta's new archbishop.

"If he's in his office, he's available," commented Dr. Michael Skube, Charlotte superintendent of schools. And if one needed more than a few moments, Archbishop Donoghue would check his calendar and set up an appointment.

"He likes to know what's going on, likes to be informed. He will be involved if you want him to be involved, but he doesn't think it's necessary to have his hands in everything."

For example, the superintendent recalls asking Archbishop Donoghue to speak at a statewide education conference. Although he had a conflict, the bishop rearranged his schedule to meet the request.

"He had a built-in excuse, but he knew I thought it was important," Skube said. "If it's humanly possible, he's available."

Couple with accessibility a personal touch. Hamburgers cooked to order by the bishop are on the menu at a cookout at his residence when someone is leaving a diocesan office. It's the way Archbishop Donoghue says thanks, according to Skube, who came to the North Carolina diocese four years ago.

"Whatever the task, whether cooking hamburgers or making a speech, (he believes) no task is beneath any of us in order to be of service to others," Skube added. "I really like that. It breaks down formality. It allows people to step out of roles and just be people."

Skube has seen Archbishop Donoghue under pressure and says, "he reacts very well." The diocese changed the direction taken in running Charlotte Catholic schools and some people not used to the new plan were upset, according to the superintendent.

In response to this, then-Bishop Donoghue consulted further in an effort to do what was best for the people of the diocese. Then he reaffirmed his decision to reorganize the schools and was able to move on, Skube said.

"I was nervous about it, "Archbishop Donoghue admitted, "but I knew if we didn't do something our schools would close ... The first year was a little rocky. The second year everything was smoother and I feel good about it."

Jim Kelley has worked with the archbishop since 1986 when he was hired as the first director of development for the diocese of Charlotte.

Under Bishop Donoghue's leadership the development office raised $42 million in that time through a variety of projects including an annual appeal whose 1993 goal was $1.75 million. In addition to the fundraising appeals, more and more parishes have become involved in the diocesan stewardship program. Kelley points out that stewardship is considered a spiritual program in the diocese, not one of several fundraising projects.

Bishop Donoghue looked beyond the diocese of Charlotte, according to Kelley. "His vision is one of sharing with the national Church." Development and stewardship plans initiated by the office are made available to others, and with the bishop's blessing, Kelley has conducted workshops in several dioceses.

"He's very easy to work with," Kelley added. "Beyond his vision, I've had his support. Whenever I've asked for help or had an idea, he's never said no. He's made my ministry a whole lot easier and more effective because he believes in stewardship and the development effort. We're going to miss him a whole lot. Our loss is your gain."

"He follows directions very well," the rector of St. Patrick's Cathedral said with a tinge of humor. "I'm the only one in the diocese who could tell him what to do."

In all seriousness, Father Frank O'Rourke spoke of Archbishop Donoghue's inherent loyalty to the Church, a loyalty build on personal conviction.

"He believes the Holy Spirit guides the Church," the priest said. "It's not a fierce loyalty, but comes from the heart of his spirituality. He is confident that the Holy Spirit guides the Church and he trusts the Holy Spirit to guide him. He has absolute trust, which is ultimately build on a spirituality rather than just a theological idea."

The bishop has been described as a delegator, and Father O'Rourke is quick to point out he values those to whom he delegates responsibility.

"I think you will find him to be up-front, honest, not looking for the speck or glitch, not a scrutinizer. He's open, has a reverence and respect for people."

Father O'Rourke points to the influence of Cardinal Patrick O'Boyle on the bishop of Charlotte who was an aide to the Washington prelate for almost two decades. The cardinal "never lost sight of his humble beginnings," the priest said, adding, "there's a simplicity in (Archbishop Donoghue's) lifestyle. He doesn't stand on protocol."

"You will find him a quiet, stabilizing force," the priest said. "He won't change everything around. He has respect for what people have been, and are doing, and he will go from there. He's a good listener but will make a decision when it's called for. He's not a procrastinator."

"He was not looking to be moving," the Charlotte priest concluded, "but is trusting in the providence of God. He will say yes to what he's asked to do. He believes it is the Spirit that guides."

Sister Frances Sheridan, director of Catholic Social Services in the Charlotte diocese since 1984, has grown to appreciate Archbishop Donoghue's reliability.

"He has a quiet manner which might be misleading," she said. "I have grown to trust his stability. I could rely on what he said yesterday to hold tomorrow and next week and next month. He's very fair."

The Religious noted that the new archbishop's concern for the needy is inclusive, going beyond Catholics. "He has a heart for the poor," she added. "He has worked to be sure the needs of the poor are addressed."