Ed Langlois

Of the Sentinel 01/05/2001

BEND — Although he has served as a prince of the church for almost a year, Bishop Robert Vasa still has the hands and temperament of a farm boy.

Having grown up in rural Nebraska, the 49-year-old bishop is showing that he would just as soon do the chores himself as call in a handyman or a technician.

For example, he is finishing up an after-hours project that entails stringing computer cable through the Baker Diocese chancery, setting up a network hub, placing network cards in computers and installing network software.

His goal in this case is more concrete than the usual objectives for a bishop: Internet access for each computer.

“I also want to look into in-office messaging, fax access, and a possible network scanner,” Bishop Vasa says casually.

As vicar general in Lincoln, Neb., he gained a reputation for a gung-ho, do-it-yourself attitude. There, after hours, he single-handedly converted a large room into a Lincoln Diocese museum, installing items such as cabinets, ceilings and wiring.

“It is very enjoyable for me, a great hobby and diversion,” the bishop says of his nighttime and weekend projects. “I grew up in an environment where we did most repair work around our home ourselves. I have simply continued to exercise, prudently, those repair and construction skills which I acquired growing up.”

There is thrift in the man. He could have purchased computer cable with connectors for about $8 apiece. But he could put the connectors on plain cable himself for a cost of about $2. So he builds them. It just seems logical and natural to him.

Does a bishop, like many home handymen, swear when he hammers a thumb or nicks a knuckle?

“Skinned knuckles are a part of it, but these have never been a source of expletives for me,” Bishop Vasa says. “It’s usually a shake of the head, a quick look to see if there is blood and hence the need of a bandage and then back to the project.”

This is just the hands-on work that balances the spiritual and administrative tasks that take up most days. In his first year, Bishop Vasa has launched plans to emphasize evangelization and priestly vocations, among other things.

Readers of the Sentinel’s Baker edition have lauded his weekly column, which he writes in a folksy and insightful way, taking images from the local landscape and peoplescape.

His staff tend to marvel at his energy and versatility. Mondays come with great anticipation, as workers come to see what the bishop has done next, whether it be re-tiling a floor, repairing a light fixture, moving massive bookshelves or drilling dozens of access holes for cables.

“It is amazing the kind of stuff he can do,” says Father Jim Logan, chancellor of the diocese. “He has a broad range of talents, everything from being able to preach well, exuding a lot of enthusiasm for the faith, to all of his hands-on projects.”

Dominican Sister Mary Catherine Perkins, director of adult education in the diocese, says she can tell Bishop Vasa grew up on a farm because “he can figure out how to do everything.”

Longtime secretary and receptionist Virginia Mohr describes the bishop as someone who is able to look at anything and see the potential for adding on to it, changing it, or improving it. She also explains that he always does things right away and adds that his tinkering does indeed improve matters.

“There is no way to stump him,” says Peggy Buselli, a chancery secretary. “No matter what needs to be done, he can figure it out. Nothing is too heavy for him. If something really heavy needs to be taken out, it disappears over the weekend, and everyone knows Bishop Vasa is the only one who has been here over the weekend.”

The new bishop, and his handiness, remind folks here of his predecessor as spiritual head in Eastern Oregon. Bishop Thomas Connolly, who retired last year after almost 30 years, was a fix-it man and country boy in his own right.

“The only other high church prelate with the kind of ability that Bishop Vasa has is Bishop Connolly,” says Father Thomas Faucher, vicar of canonical affairs. “That the Holy Spirit would bless this diocese with two eminently practical do-it-your-selfers is a sign that God truly does live in Eastern Oregon.”

Workers here may be in awe, but they are not afraid to tell Bishop Vasa when he needs to finish up his projects.

“The staff reminds me often of my need to keep moving forward,” Bishop Vasa says. “Actually it’s more like, ‘When will you be done already!’”

The bishop says he will continue to putter, repair and build as long as he is able.