"Courageous prophet or anti-Francis culture warrior? The Bishop Olmsted I knew was simply a pastor."(Foreword by J.D. Long-García)
The Most Reverend Thomas J. Olmsted shares from his own life the surprises and challenges God had in store for him on the journey of his vocation, going from a simple farming life on the Kansas-Nebraska border to doctoral studies in Rome and translating the General Audiences of St. John Paul II, to becoming the Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix and leading one of the fastest growing Catholic dioceses in the United States.
This engaging and enlightening interview style biography seeks to capture the life and wisdom of a shepherd dedicated to his flock. It was born out of admiration and desire to inspire future generations through Bishop Olmsted's example. In this book, he challenges us to be who we are meant to be and respond to Jesus' universal call to holiness, "Come," and the great commission, "Go, teach," leading by witnessing to the truth in the living of our vocations and professions, and being gratefully counter-cultural.
"There's something in being witnesses to the truth, especially to the truth which is Jesus himself. That is a vital part of leadership because those words [go, teach] are not only for the apostles; they are for every member of the Church. I would put that at the heart of leadership." (Bishop Olmsted)
Following the call to priesthood discerned at an early age led Bishop Olmsted to missions in Mexico, ordination as a priest for the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska in 1973, followed by doctoral studies and serving as an “adetto” to the Secretary of State for St. John Paul II in Rome for nine years. After serving as a pastor in Nebraska, progressing to Rector for Pontifical College Josephinum, and then becoming Bishop of the Diocese of Wichita, Kansas, he was installed as the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix on December 20, 2003. He retired on June 10, 2022, a few months past his 75th birthday, but remains active in serving within the diocese and supporting the current Bishop. Through it all, Bishop Olmsted maintains a sense of peace even when encountering turbulent times. He is a shepherd who listens patiently, is focused solely on the person in front of him and is always ready to pray with us. He also desires to protect and defend us with sound teaching, as conveyed in this book and his other well-known publications, including “Into the Breach” and “Catholics in the Public Square.”
The Tepeyac Leadership Series was started to offer contemporary models of lay Catholic leadership. However, the first book in the series features the clergyman who founded the movement it represents. "Bishop Olmsted: on life, faith, and leadership" is a collaboration between Cristofer Pereyra, the journalist who held the intimate conversation that laid the foundation for the book, and Laurie Strom, the editor. It is structured to give the reader an insight into three concrete areas; the reader may jump into the area or questions he wants to learn about first and explore the rest at his own pace. The book includes photos of Bishop Olmsted, a timeline of assignments, and a list of his key publications. We hope you find in its pages much inspiration to nurture your own life, faith, and leadership.
Cristofer Pereyra is a native of Peru, married and the father of four. In 2018, executing Bishop Olmsted’s vision, Pereyra developed the innovative diocesan program Tepeyac Leadership Initiative. The early fruit from its graduates and a deep love for the Church inspired Pereyra to found the global Catholic apostolate, Tepeyac Leadership, Inc.
Laurie Strom is a Deacon’s wife, grandmother, and a former Executive VP & COO serving the aerospace and automotive industries. Now, she is a mentor, coach, writer, and photographer - praising God and finding science and faith beautifully intertwined.
