Bishop Baxter Writes...

(NOTE: Bishop Baxter is on vacation; this message comes from the Rev. Dr. Ted Babcock, Canon to the Ordinary)

August 15, 2011

Dear Sisters & Brothers:

Please welcome The Rev. Dr. David Zwifka as our new Director of Finance and Diocesan Administration. David will serve part time here at your diocesan house and part time as the Rector of Mark's, Lewistown. David plans to be at Diocesan House Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursday afternoons. If you have an urgent problem that can't wait until he is here, he is reachable at St. Mark's.

David comes to us with a wealth of experience, not only in the parish but also as a diocesan staff person. David, who has his doctorate in Canon Law from Catholic University, served as the Vice Chancellor to the Roman Catholic bishop of Buffalo. In that position he oversaw diocesan budgets and advised the bishop on a variety of issues. Beyond David's deep skills and broad experience, what excites the Bishop and myself, is David is anchored in the parish. Like the Bishop and myself, David comes out of parish life and understands the challenges we all face. David has served small parishes and is intimate with their financial struggles as well as the difficulty of trying to get the baptized to focus on the ministry they are called to. I believe David will be a great resource for all of us, and can help all of us successfully implement the diocesan strategy. He is a wonderfully wise priest.

David will oversee diocesan finances working with Jeremy Redding, our part time Financial Administrator. David is also available to help parishes think through how they keep their books and audit them annually. David will also oversee diocesan assets. He will work with Church Insurance to help get parish claims settled equitably. He will review the bi-annual parish "Risk Assessment" to identify areas that are in need of rehabilitation, before they become a real problem, as well as to insure that we are in compliance with Church Insurance "Safe Church" policies.

David will also work with Church Pension to register all new employees who qualify for pension and or medical benefits. He is responsible to see that beneficiaries receive their benefits. He is responsible to insure that the diocese is in compliance with all Federal, State, and Canon law, as well as the particular requirements of our church insurance program. Finally, David will oversee the diocesan staff Human Resources functions for the bishop.

David, welcome! I think I can speak for the diocese when I say we look forward to working with you.

Blessings,
Ted+