The new Roman Catholic bishop for the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend is going to be busier than originally thought.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has elected Bishop Kevin Rhoades as chairman-elect of its Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth. He will serve as chairmen-elect for one year before becoming the chairman a year from now. The committee helps bishops meet the spiritual needs of lay men and women, married couples and families, and young people.

The Vatican last week announced that Rhoades will be installed Jan. 13 as the spiritual leader for more than 150,000 Roman Catholics in 14 northern Indiana counties. He will succeed retiring Bishop John D'Arcy.