How to Request an Appointment with Bishop Ralph O'Donnell

Who Bishop Ralph O'Donnell Is and Where to Find Him

Bishop Ralph O'Donnell is the bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth, which covers southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. If you need to meet with him or request his presence at a church event, confirmation, or other diocesan matter, you will contact the diocesan office, not the bishop directly.

The Diocese of Portsmouth operates from its main office in Norfolk, Virginia. All appointment requests, whether for sacramental matters, parish visits, or official diocesan business, go through the diocesan administrative staff first. They screen requests, check the bishop's calendar, and determine whether your matter requires the bishop's direct attention or can be handled by another priest or diocesan official.

Key Takeaways

• Contact the Diocese of Portsmouth administrative office in Norfolk, not the bishop's residence, to request an appointment or event.
• Requests for confirmations, parish visits, or sacramental matters are routed through the diocesan calendar office and may take several weeks to schedule.
• You will need to specify the nature of your request, the parish or location involved, and your preferred dates when you first contact the diocese.
• The diocesan staff may direct your request to another priest or official if the bishop's schedule does not permit or if your matter does not require the bishop's direct involvement.

How to Contact the Diocese of Portsmouth

The Diocese of Portsmouth main office is located at 425 Plume Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510. You can reach them by phone at (757) 623-8181. When you call, ask to speak with someone in the bishop's office or the calendar office about scheduling a request.

You can also send a written request by mail to the same address, attention to the Bishop's Office. Include your name, contact phone number, email address, the nature of your request, the parish or location where the event would take place, and at least three dates that would work for your needs. Written requests may take longer to process than phone calls, but they create a record of your request.

Some diocesan offices also accept requests through email. When you call the main number, ask whether the bishop's office accepts email requests and, if so, what email address to use. This can speed up the process if you have detailed information to include.

What Information You Need to Provide

When you contact the diocese, be ready to explain what you are requesting. The diocesan staff will ask you to be specific about the type of event or matter involved. Common requests include confirmations, parish anniversaries, dedications of new church buildings, blessing of facilities, or the bishop's presence at a special Mass.

Have the following details ready: the name of your parish or the organization requesting the bishop's presence, the specific date or dates you are proposing, the time the event would begin, the location and address, and a brief explanation of why the bishop's presence is important to your request. If this is a sacramental matter like a confirmation, mention how many people would be involved and whether you have already coordinated with your parish priest.

The diocesan staff will also want to know whether you have already checked with your parish priest or pastor about the request. In many cases, the parish priest submits the request on behalf of the parish rather than an individual member making the request directly.

Timeline for Scheduling

Bishop O'Donnell's calendar fills months in advance, especially for confirmations and major parish events. Most dioceses recommend submitting requests at least two to three months before your preferred date, though some requests can be accommodated with less notice if the bishop has an opening.

After you submit your request, the diocesan calendar office will review it and contact you within one to two weeks to confirm whether the date is available. If your preferred date is not open, they will offer alternative dates or ask you to suggest new options. Once a date is confirmed, you will receive written confirmation of the appointment.

If your request is urgent or time-sensitive, mention that when you call. The diocesan staff can sometimes move requests up in the queue, but this is not may provide and depends on what is already scheduled.

What Happens If the Bishop Cannot Accommodate Your Request

If Bishop O'Donnell's schedule does not permit him to attend your event or meet your timeline, the diocesan staff will offer alternatives. They may suggest another priest from the diocese who can perform the same function, such as a vicar general or another bishop if one is available, or they may suggest rescheduling your event to a date when the bishop is available.

For sacramental matters like confirmations, a priest delegated by the bishop can perform the sacrament if the bishop cannot be present. This is a standard practice in the Catholic Church. Ask the diocesan staff whether delegation is an option for your situation.

Preparing for Your Appointment or Event

Once your appointment is confirmed, your parish or organization will receive instructions from the diocesan office about logistics. This may include information about where the bishop will arrive, parking, security, the order of the event, and any special preparations needed.

If this is a sacramental event like a confirmation, your parish priest will coordinate with you on the details of the sacrament itself — the number of candidates, their names, sponsors, and the structure of the Mass. The diocesan office handles the bishop's schedule and travel; your parish handles the sacramental preparation.

If you are meeting with the bishop for a private matter or discussion, ask the diocesan office what to expect in terms of length of meeting, location, and whether you should bring any documents or materials with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a meeting with Bishop O'Donnell for a personal matter?

Personal matters are usually handled through your parish priest first. Contact your pastor and explain what you need to discuss. If the matter requires the bishop's direct involvement, your priest can submit a request on your behalf through the diocesan office. The bishop's schedule for personal meetings is limited and prioritized by the diocesan staff.

What if I am not Catholic or not a member of a parish in the diocese?

You can still contact the diocesan office to request the bishop's presence at an event or to discuss a matter of concern. Explain your situation and your reason for requesting the bishop's involvement. The diocesan staff will determine whether your request falls within the bishop's purview and whether it can be accommodated.

How far in advance should I request a confirmation?

Confirmations should be requested at least three to four months in advance if possible. The bishop's confirmation schedule is set well ahead of time, and parishes compete for available dates. Contact the diocesan office as soon as your parish has decided on a confirmation date to increase the chances of securing the bishop's presence.

Can I call the bishop's residence directly?

The bishop's residence is not a public office, and calls are not routed to the bishop directly. All requests must go through the diocesan administrative office at the main number. This ensures your request is logged, prioritized, and handled by the appropriate staff member.

What if I do not hear back after submitting my request?

If you have not heard from the diocesan office within two weeks of submitting your request, call the main office again and reference your previous request. Ask to speak with someone in the calendar office or the bishop's office. Provide your name and the date you submitted your request so they can locate your file.