Accountable to his flock
Bishop Murphy instilled a deep sense of accountability in the diocesan staff to the priests, religious and laity of the Church of Eastern Montana. He said the following in an August 23, 1981 Montana Catholic Register column, “Three years ago I arrived as a stranger in Montana. The first commitment I made was to go out and meet the People of God in our Diocese. I have tried to continue that commitment. However, I fulfill my ministry to you through those who share a responsibility with me on the Diocesan staff. They want to know your questions and concerns, your dreams and hopes. They want to listen to you in order to serve you better.”
An example of how he fulfilled that commitment took place in September of 1981. He scheduled “caravans” to five locations throughout the diocese where the leaders of all of the departments in the diocesan office would accompany him to meet with the people they served. Each “caravan” stop included a meeting with parish personnel, a Mass with all of the people of the area and an open forum for dialogue on a variety of topics.
