Parishioners leaving Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eau Claire Sunday morning say Bishop Jerome Listecki's appointment as Archbishop of Milwaukee is bittersweet.

"I guess I’m just selfish, I’m glad my girls both got to have him for their confirmation, you know. He just made an impact,” says Beth Smith.

Father William Dhein says in the 4 years and 8 months Listecki has spent as bishop of the La Crosse diocese, he has inspired priests and parishioners. He says the position may not be filled right away, and must be approved by the Vatican.

"The last time we were without a bishop was in between Archbishop Burke and Bishop Listecki, and that was over a year, and the process changes every time,” says Dhein.

Parishioners say Listecki's ability to lead will help the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, whose membership numbers have been dropping this past decade.

"He's a fine priest as well as being a good bishop who runs a good diocese, and Milwaukee’s getting a fine man,” says Chad Ronnander.

Meanwhile the faithful here say they're praying for a replacement as community-minded as Bishop Listecki.

“Someone who really shows the human and emotional side, not only the theological side," says Smith.

Bishop Listecki will hold a press conference in La Crosse on December 2nd. His installation to his post in Milwaukee is expected sometime in January 2010.