Bishop Doherty is pleased to announce Father Theodore Rothrock as the new Missionary Pastor for the St. Paul, Marion Pastorate faith family. Father Rothrock will begin his service on Sunday, November 1. He most recently served for over 20 years as pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton in Carmel, and prior to that he served in other diocesan and pastoral assignments. “Father Rothrock’s extensive pastoral experience in our diocese has allowed him to shepherd, guide and care for many people through a number of situations,” said Bishop Doherty. “I feel confident he will be able to help the St. Paul faith family work through the tragic loss of Father Roberts. Please join me in welcoming Father Rothrock with your prayers and kindness and allow the Holy Spirit to help you all through this time of transition.”
Message from Bishop Doherty & Father Rothrock The last few months have been filled with prayerful discernment for me and for Father Theodore Rothrock. Following his June bulletin article, Father Rothrock was asked to step away from public ministry. The pastoral care of the parish, the affected communities and Father Rothrock have been my main concern during this time of reflection. Throughout this time, Father Rothrock and I have met on multiple occasions to discuss his well-being and plans for his return to public ministry. Based on these conversations, and after consultation with the Clergy Personnel Advisory Committee, I have rescinded the suspension issued to Father Rothrock on July 1, 2020 hereby restoring his faculties as a priest in good standing in the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana. Looking forward, I have offered and Father Rothrock has accepted the appointment as Missionary Pastor of St. Paul, Marion to begin November 1, 2020.
Father Rothrock’s extensive pastoral experience in our diocese has allowed him to shepherd, guide and care for many people through a number of situations. I feel confident he will be able to help the St. Paul community work through the unexpected death of their pastor.
“I’ve had time to reflect on my word choices from the summer and deeply regret the hurt and division I have caused, most especially within my beloved Saint Elizabeth Seton parish family,” said Father Rothrock. “My time away has given me the opportunity to pray, read, and deepen my relationship with Jesus Christ. I wholeheartedly reject racism and anything that separates us from fully embracing the messages of the Gospel. I feel refreshed and reenergized for ministry. I am hopeful that I can bring healing and strength to the St. Paul parish community during this tragic time, especially through Christ’s presence in the sacraments. I look forward to using my gifts and charisms to help them deepen their relationship with Christ and to help us find hope in our grief.”
I am pleased that Father Rothrock has been able to take the time that he himself requested to reflect on the events that transpired over the summer and used the time productively to rejuvenate his spirit for active ministry. In a time where it is difficult to engage in civil dialogue, I believe our approach has allowed God to provide grace and insight into our discussions. Jesus came to redeem humanity and it is through His grace that this situation continues to be redeemed.
I know Father Rothrock will bring wisdom and grace to the people of St. Paul and I look forward to the ways he will continue to contribute to the people of our diocese.