But diocesan leaders contend that such trips lift the church both spiritually and financially.

From Boston to San Jose, councils have floated ideas to address priestly abuse, openly challenged diocesan leaders and established new lines of communication with disappointed parishioners.

Mr. Bartley said in an interview that the group hoped for reforms in how the Vatican named diocesan leaders.

The book is written not only as an aid to those who find themselves pastoring several congregations, but also seminary educators, diocesan leaders, and congregations.

He succeeds James T. McHugh, who died of cancer in December after serving as the diocesan leader for less than a year.

He said that Catholic clergy in far-flung corners of the diocese needed greater connectedness with diocesan leaders.

In fact, there was widespread indifference to the church's diocesan leaders and national agencies, and little knowledge about what they actually did.

Bishop Smith will be replacing Bishop John C. Reiss who, at 75, is retiring after 18 years as diocesan leader.

Bishop James T. McHugh, the diocesan leader since January, has not been well and last week was being treated for problems related to cancer at a Manhattan hospital.