The Catholic Diocese of Davenport welcomed a new Bishop on Monday. During the 90-minute mass in Bettendorf, Bishop Martin Amos talked about the bankruptcy declaration of the diocese, and the costly priest-abuse lawsuits that contributed to the church’s financial troubles.
Amos says they’re such major issues facing the diocese, he had to say something, or else he’d seem oblivious to what he calls “very serious issues.” Amos comes to the Quad Cities from Cleveland, Ohio. He says he had no idea he was going to be called up to become the bishop of Davenport.
After the service the new bishop was asked what his top three goals or priorities will be. “No, I haven’t as a matter of fact,” he admits. “I ve been unpacking boxes. I haven’t sat down at all in a week.” He says it’s a good question and he might be able to answer in another week. The Cleveland native says he’ll spend his first few weeks on the job listening, and Amos says he has no idea what the solution may be for the bankruptcy of the diocese.
Amos said he plans to get to know his congregation by holding a mass in each one of the 84 parishes in 22 southeastern counties. Amos becomes the eighth bishop in the 125-year-history of the diocese.