Bishop Skylstad reflects on lessons he learned in USCCB leadership

Published: 2007-12-19

SPOKANE, Wash. (CNS) -- When Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane looks back on the past six years in the leadership of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the phrase that comes to mind is "rich opportunities for learning." That's also the way he feels about his 30-year ministry as a bishop. Bishop Skylstad ended a three-year term as USCCB president at the close of the bishops' November meeting in Baltimore. Before that he served for three years as USCCB vice president. "For me, the bishop has responsibility not only for his own diocese, but also the larger church," he told the Inland Register, newspaper of the Diocese of Spokane. Just as each parish has a unique character, so has each of the dioceses in which he has served as bishop -- first Yakima, beginning in 1977, and then Spokane since 1990. "Obviously, the experience of serving the diocese is very rich," he said. He has found "a tremendous diversity among the parishes. Each parish has its own personality, gift, source of inspiration." Beyond that, though similar, is the experience of church on a broader scale that brings with it "a broadening of one's vision," he said.

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