Bishop John Folda was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Lincoln May 27, 1989. He was ordained Bishop of Fargo, N.D., June 19, 2013.
In honor of the 10th anniversary of his episcopate, Dennis Kellogg, communications director for the Diocese of Lincoln, conducted an interview with Bishop Folda about his first 10 years, as well as some memories of the Diocese of Lincoln.
Dennis Kellogg, Southern Nebraska Register: Please share your vocation story. You were studying architecture and electrical engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. What changed for you that led you to the seminary?
Bishop John Folda of Fargo: During my last two years at UNL, the thought of going to the seminary was popping up pretty often. And just when I thought I had dismissed the idea, (I was invited to go) with a group of men to visit a seminary. I ended up going on the visit, and realized that I had to give the seminary a try. My family were very supportive, and I entered the seminary in September of 1983. I knew right away that I had made the right decision, and I never really looked back.
SNR: What stands out for you about those early years as a priest in the Diocese of Lincoln?
Bishop Folda: After my ordination in 1989, I was assigned to Cathedral of the Risen Christ (in Lincoln), which was the largest parish in the diocese at the time. It was a very busy place, and I loved being there. I was also teaching religion at Cathedral Elementary and Pius X High School, so my days were very full, sometimes a little crazy. Even though Cathedral is a big parish, I always felt a great sense of community, and I was especially impressed by the devotion to the Eucharist that I found there.
SNR: You were appointed rector of St. Gregory the Great Seminary in 1999 and served in that position until 2013. How did that work – helping young men discern their vocation and grow in their faith – help form your own service as a priest and now a bishop?
Bishop Folda: Being rector of St. Gregory the Great was a huge grace and a great privilege. I loved working with the young men who were discerning their own vocations, and it made me appreciate my own calling to the priesthood even more. That experience helped me in my current role as a bishop, too. I have a close relationship with my own seminarians, and I think I have a pretty good understanding of what they are experiencing during their years of formation.
SNR: Can you share with us what went through your mind when you received the phone call in 2013 informing you that you were the new Bishop of Fargo?
Bishop Folda: I was pretty shocked, to say the least! I had no hint that this was coming, so the appointment came as a big surprise. When the nuncio asked if I would accept the appointment, I remember thinking in that moment that I had promised obedience as a priest, and this was just another part of that obedience. I remember thinking afterwards that my whole life had suddenly changed with that one phone call, but I felt a sense of peace about it, and trusted that God knew what he was doing.
SNR: What do you recall about the ordination Mass?
Bishop Folda: I was very touched by the number of Lincoln priests and friends, including seminarians from St. Gregory’s, who came to Fargo for my ordination. I was so grateful for their support, and also realized how much I would miss everyone in the Diocese of Lincoln! The day of the Ordination Mass was beautiful, and there was a real sense of joy throughout the day. During the Mass itself, receiving the laying on of hands by all the bishops present was probably the most moving part of the ritual for me. The people here in Fargo were amazing, and they made me feel right at home.
SNR: How would you describe the Diocese of Fargo and the Catholics there you now shepherd?
Bishop Folda: The Diocese of Fargo is very much like the Diocese of Lincoln. It’s a mostly rural diocese with many small town and country parishes. Lincoln and Fargo are pretty similar, too. The parishioners are very warm and they love their parishes. The priests are a tight-knit group. They’re very dedicated, and they accepted this stranger from Nebraska with open arms! The Diocese of Fargo has a very strong Eucharistic devotion, and is fervently pro-life. We’ve been able to accomplish some good things here to build up the culture of life.
SNR: After you settled into your new position, what were some of the things you decided you wanted to focus on as a bishop?
Bishop Folda: I knew that I wanted to focus on vocations to the priesthood, because like most places, Fargo needs more priests! I also wanted to support our Catholic schools in any way I could. The most important thing, though, was getting around to all our parishes and getting to know the people of this diocese. It’s a big place!
SNR: Looking back now, after a decade as Bishop of Fargo, what do you see as the main areas in which you’ve been able to have an impact in helping your diocese move forward in faith?
Bishop Folda: I think we’ve made some strides in Catholic education. We opened a brand new elementary school and have added on to several others. We’re also planning an addition to our Catholic high school in Fargo.
We’ve also worked hard on the religious education programs in our parishes, because that’s where most of our young people get their faith formation. We have strong campus ministry at North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota, and we just built a new Newman Center at NDSU here in Fargo. Both Newman Centers are doing great work with our college students.
I started holding a Rural Life Mass every summer in a different part of the diocese, and I’m trying to support our rural parishes and pastors any way I can. We’re also working to build up retreat ministry in the diocese, and giving people a chance to deepen their relationships with our Lord through a retreat experience.
SNR: You were involved with Catholic education when you were a priest in the Diocese of Lincoln and, of course, now as bishop oversee Catholic education in your diocese. What would you say about the importance of Catholic education and what do you see as some of the threats facing it today?
Bishop Folda: I’m convinced that Catholic education is one of the most important apostolates of the Church. We have such a great opportunity to form our young people throughout the whole course of their education. This is so necessary now, because our culture is trying, day and night, to pull our kids away from God and their families. Our Catholic schools and youth programs are more important than ever, and we need to make Catholic education available and affordable for as many children as possible.
SNR: Having been away from the Diocese of Lincoln for a decade, how do you see our diocese being perceived from a regional and national perspective?
Bishop Folda: I think every bishop wishes he had the number of seminarians and young priests that Lincoln has! The Diocese of Lincoln is recognized for the abundance of vocations to priesthood and religious life that you have had for many years. Many people are also aware that the faith is alive and vibrant in the Diocese of Lincoln. No place is perfect, but the Diocese of Lincoln has many admirers!
SNR: Who are the people in your life who have had the most impact on helping you become the person you are today?
Bishop Folda: I have to start with my parents, James and Mabel Folda. They formed me in the faith and supported me all the way through my education and my priesthood. My whole immediate family has always been a great blessing to me. I had great priests in my life too, and I’ve learned from them about how to be a priest. Bishop (Glennon) Flavin accepted me as a seminarian and ordained me to the priesthood. I was fortunate to work closely with Bishop (Fabian) Bruskewitz for quite awhile, and he taught me so much during my time in Lincoln. I still think back to his wisdom when I’m making decisions here! I’ll always be grateful for those two great men. And I’m blessed to have many great friends, priests, religious, and laity. God has been very good to me!
SNR: Are you optimistic about the future of the Catholic Church in the United States and worldwide? Why or why not?
Bishop Folda: I’m definitely hopeful about the future, because the Church is in God’s hands, and we can always put our trust in him. That doesn’t mean we won’t face difficulties; those will certainly come. But God will see us through. And I’m always encouraged by the faith-filled people I know, who love our Lord and his Church with all their hearts. I’m inspired by the faithful of my diocese, and I know they’ll persevere through the challenges we’re facing in these strange times.
SNR: Do you still cheer for the Huskers?
Bishop Folda: Absolutely! I remember the glory days, and I’m always hopeful that good times are ahead!
Photos courtesy Diocese of Fargo, N.D.
