"It's like winning the lottery."

When Bishop Timothy Senior was appointed the bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg in 2023, he didn’t pretend to have all the answers. Like any bishop stepping into a new diocese, he was entering unfamiliar ground: new people, new dynamics, a different history. In an effort to find support, he turned to a familiar face in Catholic Leadership Institute to assist him with the transition.

Every effective leader must listen before he can lead. In the case of a bishop, he must earn trust, often while carrying the weight of expectations from every direction.

That’s what makes Bishop Senior’s recent comment about his experience with Episcopal Transition Support stand out. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “I felt like I had won the lottery.”

Not because the work was easy, but because he wasn’t doing it alone.

Through his partnership with Catholic Leadership Institute, Bishop Senior was able to begin his ministry by hearing directly from his priests, staff, and the faithful. Instead of guessing at priorities, he could see them clearly. Instead of rushing to act, he could take the time to understand.

It’s easy to see bishops only in their role: teaching, leading, making decisions. But moments like this remind us that they are also stepping into something new, often at great personal cost, trusting that the Church will meet them there.

The right kind of support can give a bishop space to lead well from the beginning.

Bishop Senior’s experience in Harrisburg is still unfolding. But his first impression says a lot, as does his gratitude to the generous benefactors who make this and efforts like this possible at Catholic Leadership Institute.