Reps. Koetje, Casperson, Ehardt, Farhat, Kooiman, Meyer, Pappageorge, Pastor, Richardville, Sak, Shaffer, Spade, Vagnozzi, Van Regenmorter, Vander Veen, Accavitti, Caswell, Gillard, Julian, Palmer, Rivet, Sheltrown, Shulman, Steil, Voorhees, Wojno, Adamini, Bieda, Dennis, DeRossett, Elkins, Garfield, Gieleghem, Gleason, Hager, Howell, Huizenga, LaJoy, Lipsey, McConico, Murphy, Newell, Nitz, O'Neil, Paletko, Zelenko, Brandenburg, Brown and Shackleton offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 152.

            A resolution honoring Bishop Robert J. Rose upon his retirement as Bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids.

            Whereas, It is a distinct honor and privilege to join with clergy, priests, and parishioners throughout Michigan in conveying our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Bishop Robert J. Rose for his spiritual leadership as Bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids; and

            Whereas, The Vatican announced on October 13, 2003, that Pope John Paul II had accepted the request for retirement of the Most Reverend Bishop Robert J. Rose as Bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids; and

            Whereas, Bishop Rose was ordained a priest on December 21, 1955, in Rome.  He was appointed to the faculty of St. Joseph Seminary in 1956.  From 1971-1977, he served as rector of St. John’s Provincial Seminary in Plymouth, Michigan, where during his tenure the seminary was accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and North Central Accreditation.  In 1977, Bishop Rose returned to the diocese to minister as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Muskegon Heights, where he remained until 1981; and

            Whereas, Bishop Rose was ordained a bishop on December 6, 1981, and served as the Bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord until his appointment as Bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids in August 1989, a position he accepted with humility in service to our Lord and His people; and

            Whereas, Bishop Robert Rose has provided spiritual guidance to over 160,000 west Michigan Catholics.  He has touched the lives of all who have been blessed by his ministry and guidance; and

            Whereas, Through his faithful service to the Lord, Bishop Robert Rose has accomplished many great achievements as the Bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids including the first diocesan Pastoral Assembly in 1995, which identified five specific diocesan goals that focus on family, vocation, and justice; establishing the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan; the regionalization of Hispanic Ministry in the diocese and developing lay leadership programs for English and Spanish speaking laity; initiating diocesan support in ecumenical and civic activities, including the “Institute on the Healing of Racism,” the Grand Rapids “Summit on Racism” and the Greater Grand Rapids Community Marriage Policy; launching the successful “In the Name of the Lord” fundraising campaign, the diocese’s largest-ever fund drive, which raised more than $19 million to fund the Bishop’s Fund for Catholic Education, the restoration of the Cathedral of St. Andrew and remodeling of St. Henry Spirituality and Ministry Center.  He also expanded the coverage of the televised Mass, which includes the full Mass and the program Catholic Outlook; and

            Whereas, People throughout the Diocese of Grand Rapids have been truly blessed by the ministry, spiritual leadership, wisdom, and friendship of Bishop Rose.  Many are grateful for his wise counsel, comforting presence, consoling sensitivity, and faithful generous spirit.  He will always be a permanent and significant part of the history of the Diocese of Grand Rapids; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body offer our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Bishop Robert J. Rose for the spiritual leadership and inspiration he has provided to the members of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, encouraging all to strengthen their faith and to serve the Lord through service to their neighbor, community, and to all humanity; now, therefore, be it further

            Resolved, That as Bishop Robert J. Rose, the Bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, enters into retirement, may he know that he will remain in our hearts and in our prayers.  May God bless him.