The recent leaving of Fr. Tyler Bischoff, reported by Gaylord Diocesan Watch, continues the downward spiral of vocations in the Diocese. (Unfortunately, this is not an isolated event, as many dioceses in the United States are feeling the same pressures.) Fr. Bischoff left an Email to his parishioners (listed in its entirety below) outlining at best, a troubled and sad situation of a vocation that some are questioning. Fr. Bischoff will forego his priestly duties to become a public school substitute teacher! From providing the most important of items necessary for eternal salvation, i.e., the sacraments, Fr. Bischoff will transition to who knows what as he seeks, as he puts it, “a time of discernment and renewal in any way that God leads me”. Was this not something that he would have figured out during his discernment into the priesthood? If a husband or wife hits a bump in the road with their vocation, do they walk away from their marriage for “a time of discernment and renewal”, leaving their family behind? Furthermore, some are remarking that the prospects of him returning to active ministry are dim, as he stated in his Email the following: “I have nothing but gratitude in my heart for the past ten years of priestly ministry.” It is clear from the Email of Fr. Bischoff that he has some deep seeded mental and spiritual problems that have led him to this decision.
But there is a larger context in which this incident sits. Something is terribly wrong in the selection, formation, and maintenance of priestly vocations in our Diocese. In the past 24 months, no less than three priests have had leaves of absence due to personal, i.e., mental or spiritual difficulties. Why is this happening? Should they ever have been ordained? If so, were they not adequately nurtured by their bishop and fellow priests?
The parish is giving Fr. Bischoff no less than two farewell parties as he leaves his vocation, possibly for good. Would it not be better that a Mass be offered for his soul and his mental health (as was stated in his Email)?
The priesthood is a tough job. It needs strong men, physically, mentally, and most importantly, spiritually. How many of our priests fit the bill?
The following is the complete Email left by Fr. Bischoff to his parish:
 | All Saints Parish |
| Important Announcement |
| Fr. Tyler Bischoff has decided to take a leave of absence from priestly ministry. The effective date is December 10. His final Mass at All Saints Parish will be the 6:00pm Mass on December 9th, the Solemnity of Immaculate Conception. Please keep him in your prayers. |
| A Message from Fr. Tyler: I want to personally thank each of you for the great joy it has been to serve as your Pastor over the past three and half years. You all have shown me so much love and support. I will remember you in my prayers. During my leave of absence from priestly ministry I will have the opportunity to spend more time listening to God’s voice and finding His peace. I did not come to this decision lightly and without much prayer, spiritual direction, and support of my mental health team. I want to invite you to give a very warm welcome to Fr. Emmanuel. I have known him for many years when he served at my home parish in East Tawas when I was a seminarian. He is a very holy and humble priest. Please support him and Fr. Aloysius as much as you can. I also ask you pray for the priests of our diocese and for our bishop. The acute shortage of priests is affecting the overall moral of the diocese. Please feel free to reach out and stay in contact if you want. My new email address is tylerbischoff011@gmail.com. I will be moving in with my cousin in Bay City as a temporary landing spot (I don’t want to be homeless for too long 🙂). I will start working as a substitute teacher for the local public school districts. Priests on a leave of absence do not present themselves as clerics, celebrate the Sacraments, use any titles, or work in the church. Please pray for me during this time of discernment and renewal in any way that God leads me. I have nothing but gratitude in my heart for the past ten years of priestly ministry. God bless, Tyler |