What we do know is that the process of selecting candidates for the episcopacy involves consultation, discussion and prayer. It is a process governed by strict confidentiality and involves several key individuals, including the apostolic nuncio and the Congregation for Bishops, with the final decision resting with Pope Francis.

Who will serve the diocese until we have a new bishop?

After Bishop Vásquez’ installation in Houston, the College of Consultors — a group of appointed priests of the Diocese of Austin — will select a diocesan administrator. This occurs within eight days after Bishop Vásquez’ installation in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

It is possible that Pope Francis will appoint a new bishop before March 25, but if not, the diocesan administrator will lead the Diocese of Austin by managing day-to-day operations and governing the 127 parishes and missions and 19 Catholic schools. His role will be to maintain the ministry that Bishop Vásquez offered for 15 years and to lead the diocese with the same vision and style without significant innovations or changes.

How long does it take to name a new bishop?

Pope Francis makes the final decision on the next bishop of Austin, with the consultation process taking six months or more. Many may remember when Archbishop Gregory Aymond was called to serve as archbishop of New Orleans in August 2009, the Diocese of Austin was left without a bishop for the first time in its history. Msgr. W. Michael Mulvey served as the diocesan administrator for several months before he was appointed bishop of Corpus Christi in January 2010. Ultimately, on March 8, 2010, Bishop Vásquez was installed as the fifth bishop of Austin.

Father James Misko, the diocesan moderator of the Curia, said this process, which can sometimes be lengthy, is not uncommon. Dioceses across the U.S. often face similar periods called sede vacante as they await a new bishop.

“Let us take great comfort that we have excellent priests, deacons and lay staff administering our diocese and parishes who have been formed under Bishop Vásquez’ leadership. We remain steadfast in prayer as the one mystical body of Christ, knowing that God the Father is always with us and will never leave us to face our uncertainties alone,” Father Misko said.