Our New Shepherd

The Most Reverend Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R.

The November 30, 2012 edition of The Criterion is a special keepsake issue meant to help readers get to know Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin on a more personal level.

From family and friends to colleagues, to former parishioners and brothers in the Redemptorist order, people share their firsthand experiences with our new shepherd.

Click on any of headlines to read more.
 

About Archbishop Tobin

Learn more about our new archbishop from his family, friends, and
co-workers in ministry. These stories explore various facets of the archbishop's life to this point.

• Archbishop’s mother says faith is cornerstone of Tobin family
• Siblings say big brother is great role model and mentor
• Parish family says native son was instrumental in building community
• Archbishop Tobin was a ‘kitchen priest’ with fellow Redemptorists
  • The Redemptorists were founded in 1732 by St. Alphonsus Liguori
  • Now-closed Mount St. Alphonsus has a storied history
• Archbishop Tobin served the poor and mended hearts in Rome
• Seminarians in Rome enjoy meeting new archbishop
• Open your hearts to receive God’s love and mercy, Archbishop Tobin says
   
• Photo spread -- The gift of faith, the gift of family
• Photo gallery -- The life of Archbishop Tobin

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Installation Mass

Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin will be installed as the sixth archbishop of Indianapolis at a 2 p.m. Mass on Dec. 3 at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis. The rites involved in his installation will actually begin the previous evening during the praying of a Solemn Evening Prayer for the First Sunday of Advent at 5 p.m. in the cathedral. Learn more about the installation below.

• Installation liturgies will welcome Archbishop Tobin to archdiocese
• Seating for installation Mass and Evening Prayer is by invitation only
• Ring, pectoral cross and crosier are gifts from archdiocesan clergy
• New chasubles and dalmatics are created for Dec. 3 installation Mass
• New archbishop means refurbished bishop’s chair for cathedral
• SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral has a storied history

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In Conversation with Archbishop Tobin

Here is a series of his reflections and insights on a wide range of topics—from Archbishop Tobin's views on coming to Indianapolis to the role of lay women in the Church, from his thoughts about growing up in a family of 13 children to his strong belief in Catholic education, from his reflections on the importance of a sense of humor in the spiritual life to the need to reach out to teenagers and young people in faith.

• Archbishop Tobin talks about ‘the gift of family’ in his own life
• Archbishop Tobin reflects on his initial reaction to being appointed the next archbishop of Indianapolis
• Archbishop Tobin reflects on the importance of a sense of humor to the spiritual life
• Archbishop Tobin discusses his planned approach to leading the archdiocese in his first year
• Archbishop Tobin offers his initial impressions about leading the Archdiocese of Indianapolis
• Archbishop Tobin discusses leading an archdiocese that is increasingly becoming more multicultural
• Archbishop Tobin talks about his fluency in five languages—English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese—and his love of music
• Archbishop Tobin talks about his passion for playing hockey
• Archbishop Tobin shares his thoughts on his nearly 35 years of serving the Church since he was ordained a priest
• Archbishop Tobin shares his thoughts on the role of lay women in the Church
• Archbishop Tobin talks about the importance of Catholic education
• Archbishop Tobin reflects on the importance of reaching out to teenagers and young adults influenced by a secular society
   
• More about these reflections and insights from our new archbishop

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More about Archbishop Tobin

Here are a few more details about our new archbishop, and where you can go for more.

• ‘Rejoice in the Lord’ is Archbishop Tobin’s episcopal motto
• Archbishop Tobin reflects on his coat of arms and its meaning
  • Description of the coat of arms of Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R.
• Here are five fun facts about Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin
   
• Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin's homepage

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Background information

In preparing for the installation of Archbishop Tobin, The Criterion also looked at the history of the archdiocese and its bishops, as well as who a bishop is in Catholic theology and how they're chosen.

• The history of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis
• Our bishops have embraced education and faith formation
• Catechism Corner: What the Church teaches on bishops
• Bishop selection process is thorough and strictly confidential

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Download our whole special issue

If you'd like, you can download our entire 56-page keepsake issue in PDF format to see how it was presented in print. The file size is about 40 MB, so even on a high speed connection it will take a minute or two to fully download.

• Download entire issue in PDF format