Vicar general ordained as Chicago's newest auxiliary bishop

Published: 2006-02-07

CHICAGO (CNS) -- When the Archdiocese of Chicago welcomed its newest auxiliary bishop Feb. 2, it was truly a celebration of a favorite son. Cardinal Francis E. George ordained Bishop George J. Rassas, 63, with his parents, Frances and George J. Rassas Sr., in the front pew at Chicago's Holy Name Cathedral and dozens of other family members in attendance. The rest of the cathedral was filled with well-wishers who knew Bishop Rassas from his nearly 38 years of ministry in the archdiocese, including 14 years as pastor of St. Mary Parish in Lake Forest and 15 years working in family ministry while assisting in other parishes. For the past year, Bishop Rassas has served as vicar general, a post in which he is expected to continue for the immediate future. But Bishop Rassas' history in the archdiocese goes back further than his priesthood. A native of Baltimore, he moved to Winnetka with his family at age 3, and his family has belonged to SS. Faith, Hope and Charity Parish ever since.

Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .