The Diocese of Gaylord, Michigan, underwent a changing of the guard recently as Bishop-elect Jeffrey Walsh participated in his episcopal ordination to become a full bishop. He replaces Bishop Walter Hurley, who served as the temporary apostolic administrator for the diocese for the last 18 months.

The church said farewell to Hurley, thanking him for his service.

“As we prepare for the coming of Bishop-elect Walsh, we also say our goodbyes to Bishop Hurley,” the diocese posted on Facebook. “The diocesan staff celebrated our time with Bishop Hurley by going to lunch at Big Buck Brewery in Gaylord. We are extremely grateful for all that Bishop Hurley has done for the Diocese of Gaylord, and while we are sad to see him go, we pray his next chapter is filled with blessings and peace.”

Pope Francis appointed Walsh as the next bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord in December. He came to Michigan from the Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he served as the pastor of two parishes in Carbondale. His ordination occurred in early March at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord, according to the University of Scranton website. 

"What was once a gift in Scranton is now a gift in Gaylord,” Archbishop Allen Vigneron said during Walsh’s ceremony, as posted by the Diocese of Gaylord on Facebook.

Walsh is a Pennsylvania native who attended the University of Scranton, earning a degree in Counseling and Human Resources in 1987. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Maryland. Walsh was ordained to the priesthood in 1994, the University of Scranton said. He also earned a Master of Arts degree in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University, as well as a Master of Social Work degree from Marywood University. 

"The University of Scranton joins His Excellency, the Most Reverend Joseph Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, and people throughout the Diocese of Scranton in congratulating Bishop-elect Walsh on this joyful news as he prepares to begin this important episcopal ministry in the Great Lakes region of Michigan,” Rev. Joseph Marina, president of the University of Scranton, said.

Hurley retired in 2013 after serving as Bishop of Grand Rapids for eight years. Since his retirement, he has served Catholic communities in Michigan through a range of temporary roles, stepping in at the Diocese of Gaylord as needed, according to Faith Magazine.