Episcopal appointment

According to Canon Law, diocesan bishops in the Catholic Church are required to submit their resignation to the pope upon reaching the age of 75. Bishop David Kagan, ordained the seventh bishop of the diocese on Nov. 11, 2011, turned 75 on November 9, 2024, submitted his resignation on that date. The ultimate decision in appointing bishops rests with the pope.
 
The process for selecting candidates for the episcopacy normally begins at the diocesan level and works its way through a series of consultations until it reaches Rome. It is a process bound by strict confidentiality and involves several important players—the most influential being the apostolic nuncio, the Dicastery for Bishops and the pope. It can be a time-consuming process, often taking several months or more to complete.
 
The process generally begins with stage one, gathering bishops’ recommendations (bishops locally and regionally). Stage two involves the work of the apostolic nuncio. This is the pope's representative to both the government and to the hierarchy of a given nation; a key person in deciding what names are recommended to the Congregation for Bishops for possible episcopal appointment. The third stage includes the Dicastery for Bishops. Once all the documentation from the nuncio is complete and in order, and the prefect approves, the process moves forward to Rome. The fourth and final stage would be the pope’s decision. At a private audience with the pope, the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops presents the recommendations of the Congregation to the Holy Father. A few days later, the pope informs the Congregation of his decision. The Congregation then notifies the nuncio, who in turn contacts the candidate and asks if he will accept. If the answer is "yes," the Vatican is notified, and a date is set for the announcement.
 
The diocesan office of worship has issued a special prayer to guide us in preparation for the next bishop of the Bismarck Diocese. Prayer cards are available at parishes, or at the Center for Pastoral Ministry at the diocese offices in Bismarck.
 
—Staff report with information provided by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (usccb.org).

Prayer for a New Bishop

Eternal Father, who have established the order of Bishop within Your Holy Church as a successor to the Apostles, a representative of Christ the High Priest, a model of Charity, the bond of unity, and a possessor of the fullness of the three-fold office of priest, prophet and king; grant we pray to your Holy Church discernment to send to the Bismarck Diocese a shepherd after Your Own heart. We humbly beseech You, Almighty God, to grant wisdom, a discerning heart, the burning flame of charity, an abundance of the seven-fold gift of the Holy Spirit, and pastoral zeal to the man whom You have chosen to take up this office. Finally, to the people of the Bismarck Diocese, bestow the graces of filial affection, and the respect and obedience that we owe to our new Bishop when he arrives, according to Your holy will. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.