"What? You don't have a bishop?!"

I normally don't pass along rumors. But on the eve of this Tuesday (the traditional day that new bishop appointments are announced) this story struck me as being so comical that it might actually be true:

On - *ahem* - deep background, comes the tale of a member of the Diocese of Sioux Falls, South Dakota calling the Vatican regarding a somewhat related topic. Towards the end of the conversation there is a sudden pause on the other end, and then in a surprised tone, "What? You don't have a bishop? We thought you did!"

The Diocese of Sioux Falls, it should be remembered, has been vacant since December of 2004 (since Bishop Carlson was moved to Saginaw) - longer than any other diocese in the U.S.A.

As I said, so comical that it just might be true...

In the meantime, we can join the 130,000 Catholics of Sioux Falls in their Prayer for a New Bishop.