By 
This picture includes (seated on the front row, from the left) Bishop David Fellhauer, Bishop Edmond Carmody and Archbishop Michael Sheehan. All three of these men along with Bishop Herzig, Bishop Corrada and so many others have played significant roles in my formation.
It is a special blessing to me personally that Bishop Carmody, bishop emeritus of Corpus Christi has agreed to return to Tyler to serve as my Vicar General. I look forward to working with him and especially asking him to assist us in development for the future of the diocese. He and Bishop Corrada have placed the diocese on a firm foundation after Bishop Herzig began the diocese and formed the basic administrative offices. It is an exciting time to continue the work of these fine men and a special blessing that one of them will be working as my "right hand man" as the diocese continues to develop.
Many people have commented on the abundant blessings our diocese has received with the three fine men of Christ and His Church who have shepherded the diocese since it began. Herzig, Carmody and Corrada will be names that will always be remembered as a triumvirate of strength in the Catholic faith. I am humbled to realize that it is my charge to take up their yoke and continue their fine work. I know that I will rely on the prayers and support of all in the diocese and beyond.
Midnight mass for Christmas 2012 will be a very blessed celebration for me. Please know that all of you will be in my prayers in a special way at that mass. I ask that you also pray for me and the Diocese of Tyler, by the grace of God may the coming years also be blessed as we seek to live and proclaim Jesus Christ more abundantly in north east Texas.
GOD BLESS YOU AND MERRY CHRISTMAS
MY CALENDAR
December 26- No public mass
December 27- No public mass
December 28- 8:00 AM Mass at the Bishop’s Chapel in the Chancery
December 29- 5:30 PM Mass at the Cathedral
December 30- 9:00 AM Mass at the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul
11:00 AM Mass at the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul
December 31- 6:00 PM Mass at the Cathedral
January 1, 2013- 10:00 AM at the Cathedral
January 2- No public mass
January 3- 8:00 AM Mass at the Bishop’s Chapel in the Chancery
January 4- No public mass
January 5- 5:00 PM Mass at St. Joseph’s in Marshall
January 6- 9:30 AM Mass at Holy Spirit Church in Holly Lake, Texas
January 7- 11- Bishop’s Retreat in San Antonio
January 12- 5:00 PM Confirmation Mass at St. Augustine Church, St. Augustine, Texas
January 13- 1:00 PM Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Tyler
Joseph Strickland
Bishop Joseph E. Strickland was named the fourth bishop of Tyler in September of 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI. Prior to being named bishop, he served a number of roles in the diocese, including vicar general, judicial vicar, and pastor of the Cathedral parish. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1985. 