Pope Francis Appoints Father James Mark Beckman Next Bishop of Knoxville

“I am blessed and honored to accept this appointment from the Holy Father,” Bishop-elect Beckman said. “I am a native Tennessean, and I am grateful that I can continue serving the Church and now the faithful of the Diocese of Knoxville in this region that I know well and love tremendously.”

This is the best church news I’ve heard in a long time!

Fr. Mark taught me in high school. He was an important influence on how I’ve grown as a human, a leader, and a Catholic Christian.

You don’t see many new bishop pictures featuring a fleece jacket. Consider it evidence of Beckman’s sheepy aroma. 😆

May God continue to bless Bishop-Elect Beckman & the people of Knoxville.

Just saw my first c*bertruck “in the wild.”

#Meh

Finished reading: Managing Transitions (25th anniversary edition) by William Bridges 📚

Transition is like a low-pressure area on the organizational weather map. It attracts all the storms and conflicts in the area, past as well as present.

Confession: It was really hard to read this book without dwelling on the bad transitions I’ve experienced in the past. I hope I can contribute some positive value to the future transitions in which I will play a part.

Finished reading: Listening Together by Timothy Radcliffe 📚

Lots of good guidance & encouragement for embracing the synodal way.

Life is…

🎶 We gonna rock down to salami avenue 🎶

We Need to Make Cities Less Car-Dependent

💯! via Scientific American. This is a public health win and will improve our quality of life.

If you make a statue of me, please use this pose. Thank you.

The Next Frontier? Philosophy in Space.

Yes! 💯!

Interdisciplinary scholars in space – including philosophers – is only good.

Dear #NASA: Please send Dr. Chapa to space. Thank you.