Statement
by Theodore E. McCarrick, Archbishop of Newark, "I am delighted that Bishop James McHugh has succeeded to the pastoral care of the Church of Rockville Centre. This most important and large diocese is truly a challenging opportunity for service of this very special Newark Archdiocesan priest. I take great pride in the fact that now there are four priests of this local Church who are serving other dioceses, and I know that they are serving well and with great ability. "There is a special joy in seeing Bishop McHugh become a Residential Bishop again after his decade of service in the Church of Camden. His recent illness had caused us all much concern but, true to his courage and deep faith, the Lord has given him his health to continue to serve the Church and to guide the Diocese of Rockville Centre into the new millennium. "Bishop John McGann is an old and cherished friend, and I thank God for the wonderful gift that he has been to the Church in Rockville Centre Ð and indeed to the Church throughout the United States. We will miss his fine hand at the helm, but he will still be very active I am sure in the work of the Conference and in the presence of his brother bishops. May the Lord bless both of them at this very special moment in their lives." (Note to Editors: Bishop James McHugh officially took over as Bishop of the Rockville Center diocese on Jan. 4, 2000. Prior to that, he had served as coadjutor to Bishop John McGann since December 1998.)
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