Some of you may remember he delightful installation homily by Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois. He concluded his remarks by singing a number written by one of the Backstreet Boys.

Anyway: the good bishop can not only carry a tune, he also believes he can go the distance. Following in the footsteps of St. Paul, he intends to run the race and, hopefully, pay off some diocesan debt:

Springfield Catholic Bishop Thomas John Paprocki will run the Denver Marathon Oct. 17, while also trying to retire remaining debt on the recent restoration of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Paprocki is seeking pledges per mile. Pledges can be made by check, using coupons in the diocesan newspaper, Catholic Times, or fliers sent to parishes. They also can be made by credit card this link.

He also is taking requests for prayer intentions. His practice is to pray as he runs.

Maybe he’ll also sing while he runs? “Born to Run”? “Running on Empty”?