A new era is on the horizon for the Archdiocese of New York.

On Monday, Pope Benedict XVI named Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy Dolan as the next Roman Catholic archbishop of New York. Dolan, 59, will succeed Cardinal Edward Egan, who has served as New York’s archbishop for the last nine years.

Dolan, a St. Louis native, is scheduled to be installed on April 15 in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. He will be the 10th Archbishop of New York.

“I am so honored, humbled, and happy to serve as your pastor,” Dolan said in a statement addressing New Yorkers on Monday.

Besides Milwaukee and St. Louis, Dolan has also served in Washington, D.C. and Rome, according to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s Web site.

Members of St. John’s Campus Ministry said they are optimistic about Dolan’s appointment.

“He seems to be outgoing and friendly, not afraid of the media and enjoys being with people,” said Fr. John Kettelberger, director of Residence Ministry. “I think he realizes the responsibility that comes with this position and I think he’s up for the task.”

Abigail Furness, campus minister, said she is also hopeful of Dolan’s appointment.

“I’m excited about his appointment and I’m excited about what he brings to the church,” she said. “From what I’ve read about him, he seems to have a great affinity for the poor and I think he will be a great person to help raise awareness on a lot of social
justice issues.”

Fr. Kettelberger said that he felt Cardinal Egan’s legacy will be most defined by what he brought to the church from a financial standpoint.

“I think he was a great administrator,” he said. “When he came to the archdiocese, they were in a dire financial situation and he was a big factor in helping them out of it.”

He also said he anticipates the new archbishop will help attract more people to the church.

“I hope Archbishop Dolan brings the inclusive spirit that he seemed to exhibit in Milwaukee, here to New York, and that it helps everyone in the archdiocese feel more a part of the church, especially the young,” he said.

“Also, hopefully when the church speaks on important issues, he will be there and help build a renewal of faith and commitment to the church and a renewal of faith and commitment in others as well.”