Servers carry symbolic items in the entrance procession:
The Apostolic Letter from Pope Francis, testifying to the Bishop-Elect's worthiness.
The ring placed on the right hand symbolizes the Bishop’s fidelity to the Bride of God, the Church.
The miter is placed on the new bishop’s head, signifying his resolve to pursue holiness.
The crozier signifies the duty of shepherding the Church entrusted to him.




Father Frank Schuster, the Bishop-Elect, is flanked by Father David Mulholland and Father James O. Johnson, Jr., who will present him to the community during the rite.


Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, reads the Apostolic Letter of Pope Francis, testifying to the worthiness of Bishop-Elect Schuster and his choice by the Holy Father.   The whole community shows their consent with applause.   Bishop-Elect Schuster shows the Apostolic Letter to the bishops, priests, and all the faithful.


In the litany, we ask the intercession of all the saints. The Bishop-Elect prostrates himself before the altar in a Biblical gesture of humility.


Archbishop Etienne is the celebrant of the Mass and the principal consecrator of Bishop-Elect Schuster. The co-consecrators are Archbishop Emeritus J. Peter Sartain and Bishop Joseph Tyson.


The Book of the Gospels, held over the candidate, reminds us that the faithful preaching of the Word of God is the foremost office of a bishop.


Archbishop Etienne now leads the new Bishop to his place among the bishops.


The hymn “Holy God, we praise thy name” (Te Deum) is sung as Archbishop Etienne and Archbishop Sartain lead Bishop Schuster through the Cathedral as he gives his first blessing as a Bishop. Watch here.


Bishop Schuster offers remarks at the conclusion of Mass. Watch and listen here!


The Schuster clan gathers with the newly ordained bishop after Mass.
Ad multos annos, Bishop Schuster!