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Bishop and later Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen appeared
several times on the “Merv Grif n Show” during the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s.
Bishop Sheen arrived in Rochester intent on implementing the decrees of Vatican II. He established the rst diocesan priests’ council and also paved the way for the diocese to introduce permanent deacons in the 1980s by ordaining his rst permanent deacon in 1969. He also was known for appointing laypeople, both women and men, as diocesan of cials.
Bishop Sheen also actively engaged in ecumenical and interfaith matters. Two of his interfaith projects were the Rochester Joint Of ce of Urban Ministry and the inauguration of an “ecumenical seminary,” the Rochester Center for Theological Studies, which comprised St. Bernard’s Seminary, Colgate Rochester Divinity School, the Episcopal seminary Bexley Hall and, later, Crozer Theological Seminary.
He also was committed to helping the poor. His Of ce of Urban Ministry coordinated efforts with the local African-American community. He created a Spanish Apostolate to assist the Latino community and founded an organization that became the affordable-housing developer Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation.
Bishop Fulton J. Sheen stands on the set of his television show “Life Is Worth Living.” On the wall behind him is a missionary cross used in the logo of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, which he led as national secretary during the 1950s.
Bishop Fulton
J. Sheen’s coat of arms.
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