Bishop-elect Riesbeck will assist Ottawa Archbishop Terrence Prendergast in looking after the spiritual needs of the 400,000 Catholics in the archdiocese.
At a news conference to announce the appointment, Prendergast said it brings him “great joy” to welcome Riesbeck as auxiliary bishop.
“I am pleased that his many talents will assist me in serving the needs of our English-speaking, francophone and other linguistic and culture parishes,” said Prendergast.
The appointment was greeted with great joy by the Companions of the Cross, the Ottawa-based order of which Riesbeck is assistant general superior.
“Bishop-elect Christian Riesbeck, CC, will bring with him to the episcopal order not only our wholehearted support and constant prayers but the charism, mission and heritage of our spiritual family,” said Fr. Scott McCaig, general superior of the Companions of the Cross. “I cannot help but imagine the joy welling up in the heart of (the late) Fr. Bob (Bedard), our founder and spiritual father, as he looks on.
“We know that Fr. Christian will be a wonderful shepherd and will serve the Lord and His bride, the Church, with genuine humility, compassionate love and energetic zeal. As a community we are truly grateful to the Holy Father for calling one of our brothers to the order of bishops.”
Riesbeck said he believes his appointment is also a way of honouring Bedard, “my mentor and inspiration.” He also has taken inspiration from Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium.
“I hope with God’s help to make this the focal point of my ministry as bishop, sharing the Good News of the Gospel and inviting all into an initial and ongoing encounter with Jesus Christ, one that transforms lives and makes us eager in turn to share the Good News with others, especially the poor and the alienated,” said Riesbeck.
Riesbeck is a native of Montreal and was schooled in Aylmer, Que., and Nepean, an Ottawa suburb, in his early years, before continuing on to the University of Ottawa where he attained his degree in political science. From there, he went on to St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto before getting his licentiate in Canon Law from Saint Paul University in Ottawa.
Ordained to the priesthood in 1996, he has served in parishes in Kingston, Hawkesbury, Pendleton and Brockville, Ont., before becoming pastor of Queen of Peace parish in Houston, Texas.
Tentative plans call for Riesbeck’s episcopal ordination to be held March 19, the feast day of St. Joseph.