SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The man chosen to be the new Bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls has a long history of helping victims of clergy sex abuse.
Bishop-elect Donald DeGrood, 54, was raised on a farm in Minnesota, and has spent his entire ministry in that state, and has been active in programs to help abuse victims.
One victim says that his first interaction with DeGrood was pivotal in his healing process. In an interview with The Catholic Spirit, he recalls how DeGrood, a perfect stranger at the time, came up to him at a retreat to say he was sorry for all he and his family had gone through.
“It was just so sincere,” the man said, “It was eye-opening.”
DeGrood was introduced in Sioux Falls Thursday morning by the man he will replace, the retiring Bishop Paul Swain.
DeGrood says he is asking for everyone’s prayers.
“I ask all of you for the grace to be a holy bishop. The primary desire in my heart is to be holy and to help everybody experience the love of God.”
He will be ordained as a bishop and installed on February 13. DeGrood says he has a lot to learn before then.
The Sioux Falls Diocese covers all Catholic parishes east of the Missouri River.
