My Fond Memories of Bishop SklbaRead Time 10 min

I still am very much in the throes of processing the passing of our beloved Auxiliary Bishop Richard J. Sklba. His wisdom, kindness and inspiration has literally blanketed my priestly vocation, as I entered the seminary about 18 months following his ordination and elevation to the Episcopacy. Moreover, I was privileged to interact with him frequently through my ministry serving on the Archdiocesan Council of Priests, as the rector and pastor of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee and most recently as a brother bishop. Thus, I ask your gracious permission as I write this “Herald of Hope” less as a news article and more so a collection of personal memories.

One of the things that I always appreciated about Bishop Sklba was his playful sense of humor. He had a delightful way of poking fun that also carried with it a sense of care and affection. I recall the time when Bishop Sklba confirmed my nephew Jesse, the eldest child of my sister, Anne. Following the conclusion of the liturgy, she approached Bishop Sklba and thanked him for conferring the sacrament on her son and complimented him on his homily. After this, she shared with him the following note, “You probably know my brother, Fr. Jeff Haines.” A wry smile appeared on the face of Bishop Sklba and his eyes twinkled merrily as he added, “Well, then, since your brother is Fr. Jeff Haines, I want you to know that you have my sympathy.”

Another quality of Bishop Sklba that I admired was the simplicity of his lifestyle. He never seemed to succumb to the temptation toward regality that some bishops aspire. I asked him once for some advice on how to refrain from accumulating too many material goods. His sage advice manifested itself in a humble, folksy anecdote. “I guess I try to handle possessions and finances like I do my collection of sweaters. Although I really like a nice, warm sweater, especially in the cold of winter, I limit myself to ownership of five of them. And when someone is thoughtful in presenting me with the gift of a new sweater, I welcome this present, and, at the same time, I select one of the other five in my collection, and I make a donation of it to the St. Vincent de Paul Society to help someone in need.”

Many people are aware that Bishop Sklba is an esteemed biblical scholar, and I was fortunate to be able to cherish many conversations with him about the Sacred Scriptures. One of my favorite lessons from him, however, was very brief but quite cogent. I was showing him a copy of a new Bible that I had just purchased. It was an edition of “The Catholic Study Bible,” published by the Oxford University Press. Bishop Sklba lauded the text, noting its honorable translation, commentary and introductory reading guides. Then, he made sure to add an important exhortation. “Jeff, use this Bible well as you seek to interpret the Word of God. However, my friend, never forget that the Sacred Scriptures also are meant to interpret us, and thus transform us and lead us into holiness.”

One night, I returned to the rectory of the former St. Nicholas Parish, and Bishop Sklba was visiting with his friend and my pastor, Fr. Joe Juknialis. I had just finished leading some members of our youth group on an outing to watch the Milwaukee Admirals hockey team. Bishop Sklba asked me how the field trip went. I was rather disheartened by the event, and it showed in my response to him. “I can’t say that it was very successful. After all, we only had five members of our youth group attend. And it seemed like the kids liked the fights between the opposing teams more than the actual hockey game.” Bishop Sklba motioned for me to sit down next to him, and he looked me in the eye and counseled me, “Jeff, try not to get caught up simply by numbers. Quantity can be a factor in church events, but it is not the only one. Quality can be just as and even more important. I have a feeling that having just five young people on the trip probably gave you even more quality attention to them than they normally would have received in a bigger turnout of youth. You may be surprised to learn that this event may be more successful than you think.” How prophetic Bishop Sklba turned out to be. As the years passed, I learned that “supposedly meager” number of kids eventually became the heart and soul of the parish youth group, and today they are long-standing, dedicated and faithful Catholics.

One of the things I noticed about Bishop Sklba in my term as the rector and pastor of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist was that he always entered the church in the same manner. No matter what direction from whence he came, he always entered the central main doors at 812 N. Jackson St. Apparently, one of my Cathedral parishioners observed this consistent practice, as well. He approached me one Sunday morning, and he shared his theory as to why he believed Bishop Sklba took this regular path. “I always thought it did not make sense for him to enter the central main doors, since the doors on the southwest side actually are closer to the sacristy where he puts on his vestments. I have come to the conclusion that Bishop Sklba uses the central main doors because he wants to be seen and because he wants the parishioners to know that he has arrived to celebrate the Mass.”

I did not want to hurt the feelings of this gentleman, but I felt that I needed to clarify the truth — the real reason for this repetitive entrance, “Actually, that is not the motive which drives Bishop Sklba to use the central main doors. Next time, watch how Bishop Sklba pauses near the last pew next to the pillar on his right. There, you will see him stop by a stand which holds a notebook. This is a book of prayer intentions which are included in the Universal Prayer or the Prayers of the Faithful. Bishop Sklba always enters intercessions for members of his family and his relatives, and he also includes the names other people who have asked him to offer prayers. Bishop Sklba always enters the same way because he never forgets to pray for others.”

It has been comforting and consoling for me to include these personal memories about Bishop Sklba. It also seems fitting, given his status as a professor of the Old Testament or “Tanakh.” In the biblical world of our Jewish ancestors, memory holds a special place and power. The Hebrew word “zikkaron” or memorial/remembrance is believed to have ability beyond merely recalling something. When done in faith, remembering also is believed to make something present. Thus, I hope that you may prayerfully recall your own personal memories of Bishop Sklba, and may you feel his spirit in your midst.