Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today, Pope Francis named Bishop Joe S. Vásquez as the 9th Bishop and 3rd Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The priests, deacons, religious women and men, diocesan staff, and lay faithful of the Diocese of Austin congratulate Bishop Vásquez on this profound expression of confidence by the Holy Father. While we will dearly miss his steady leadership, strengthened by his faithful life of prayer and service to God's people, we rejoice with the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston that they will have a shepherd after the heart of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. We hold Bishop Vásquez in our daily prayers as he prepares for this new mission in his episcopal ministry. When the complete arrangements for the installation liturgies are announced, we will share them on our social media and website.

Until Bishop Vásquez is installed as Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, on March 25, 2025, he will remain the Bishop of Austin and continue to lead us with the grace and distinction to which we have become accustomed. When he is installed and if a new bishop is yet to be named for Austin, a Diocesan Administrator will be chosen to govern the diocese until a new bishop is named by the Holy Father.

Let us now entrust our parishes and missions, Catholic schools, ministries and apostolates, and all the faithful in Central Texas to the intercession of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, asking God to guide us in his good providence in lives of wisdom and holiness.

Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus,

Very Reverend James A. Misko

Vicar General