Chancery transition: Walsh becomes chancellor, Lentz named chancellor emeritus

By John Shaughnessy

Responsibilities of the chancellor
 
When Chris Walsh becomes chancellor of the archdiocese on July 1, some of his main responsibilities will include:
 
• Overseeing the implementation of the archdiocesan pastoral plan, a plan that addresses critical growth areas for the archdiocese.
 
• Collaborating with the deans of the 11 archdiocesan deaneries.
 
• Overseeing several archdiocesan ministries, including youth ministry, multicultural ministry and young adult and college campus ministry.
 
• Providing oversight of the archdiocese’s Catholic Charities and Office of Catholic Schools.
 
• Overseeing the canonical and archival records of the archdiocese.

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson recently announced changes and transitions in the archdiocese’s chancery, which provides leadership, guidance and support to the Catholic community in central and southern Indiana.

Beginning on July 1, Chris Walsh will become chancellor of the archdiocese while Annette “Mickey” Lentz will become chancellor emeritus.

For the past nine months, Walsh has served as vice chancellor, working with Lentz who has been chancellor of the archdiocese since 2012—one of her many leadership roles in her 60 years of service to the archdiocese.

With Lentz planning to retire on Sept. 16, Walsh will assume the varied roles of the chancellor.

He is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the archdiocesan pastoral plan, a plan that addresses critical growth areas for the archdiocese. His duties will also include providing oversight of the archdiocese’s Catholic Charities, Office of Catholic Schools and other ministries. And he will oversee the canonical and archival records for the archdiocese.

Before her retirement and beyond, Lentz will continue to serve the archdiocese as chancellor emeritus in a consulting role when she is needed.

At the same time, Msgr. William F. Stumpf will continue to serve as vicar general of the archdiocese. He will also become pastor of St. Matthew the Apostle Parish in Indianapolis on July 7.

As Archbishop Thompson announced the changes and transitions, he also praised the dedication and leadership of Lentz, Walsh and Msgr. Stumpf.

“Mickey has been a great blessing to the archdiocese throughout her 60 years of service as teacher, principal, school superintendent and chancellor,” the archbishop noted. “A woman of deep faith, her incredible witness has impacted the lives of individuals and communities beyond what can be fully comprehended. 

“The fact that Mickey has continued well beyond more than a year of her initial date of retirement in order to mentor Chris speaks volumes about her spirit of generosity and love for the Church. She is a person of great wisdom, talent, compassion, devotion and loyalty. Clearly, her life and witness are rooted in faith, family and friends. Ultimately, she is very Eucharistic-centered.”

Walsh’s gifts and talents have already enhanced the archdiocese, Archbishop Thompson said.

“Chris is a very capable person, bringing a great deal of faith, intelligence and skill to the office of chancellor,” the archbishop said.

“Chris has already established himself throughout the Catholic Center and among others in the archdiocese as one who takes seriously the call to accompaniment, dialogue and encounter. He is quick to learn and assimilate. Most especially, Chris exudes the joy of the Gospel and the Catholic faith.”

The archbishop also praised Msgr. Stumpf as “a wonderful vicar general.” As vicar general, Msgr. Stumpf assists the archbishop in governing the archdiocese, helping with administrative duties. Archbishop Thompson also noted the increased responsibilities that the priest will take on as pastor of St. Matthew Parish.

“His transition from being full time in the Catholic Center as vicar general to also serving as a full-time pastor is not unlike my own experience and that of others who have maintained multiple roles in ministry,” Archbishop Thompson said.

“Not having him in the chancery will be an adjustment for many of us in the Catholic Center, including Msgr. Stumpf and me. Of course, we have the benefit of technology—cell phones, e-mails, etc.—to help bridge the gap. He too is a person who does all things well, as the parishioners of St. Matthew Parish will soon discover. He brings a wealth of knowledge, perspective, prudence, understanding, compassion and spirit in all matters.”

Lentz said she is “pleased to be named and remain chancellor emeritus.”

“It says to me that my opinion is still valued and helpful to the archdiocese,” she said. “It also allows me additional time to be on board with Chris while he is new in the position. Chris will be able to consult with me as needed.

“I will be available for consultation after September 16th, but only as needed. So many projects and programs require a historical perspective which I bring to the table. My assistant Cathy Mayer is excellent in her role. She will be a big help to Chris in this transition. She has been to me each and every day I have been in the role of chancellor.”

Lentz said that she has always enjoyed having someone to mentor and that’s been true of the past nine months with Walsh. She described him as “more than ready” to become chancellor, adding, “I am very confident that he can handle what comes his way.”

As for her own transition toward retirement, she described it as “a bittersweet time for me.”

“I have tried to retire three times,” Lentz said. “This transition has been a healthy experience for me. My purpose in all I do and have done is to ensure success at all levels. We are a great archdiocese in so many ways. I’d like to think in some small way I have been a factor in that success.

“I wish Chris well. He will make me proud, I have no doubt. And I believe that my faith and trust in God has accompanied me through many changes and challenges. The Holy Spirit will enlighten and guide us through this transition as well.”

Walsh thanked Lentz, Archbishop Thompson and Msgr. Stumpf for their guidance and support during the past nine months.

As he prepares to become chancellor, Walsh said, “Through God’s grace, I will strive daily to serve the mission of the archdiocese and to bear witness to the truth of Christ through his Church.”

Before coming to the archdiocese in October of 2020, Walsh served as the associate dean and chair of the college of education at Spalding University in Louisville, Ky.

His nine months in the archdiocese have made a deep impression on him.

“The archdiocese is a community with a proud history of service to the people of God in central and southern Indiana,” Walsh said.

“I have found this community to be one of profound faith in Jesus Christ with leaders—both clergy and laypeople—who are committed to addressing the challenges of our time with hope, courage and fidelity to the truth of the Church.” †