A cross hangs on the wall, hovering nearby, and a papal honorary medal flanks his right. Douglas Delaney, the diocese’s first-ever executive assistant to the bishop, has positioned his own workspace just a few steps away from his boss, Bishop J. Peter Sartain. In December 2006, the native of Lansing, Mich., and member of SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Naperville, accepted the position and endeavors to assist the Joliet Diocese’s fourth bishop, who was installed this past June. After taking a few weeks to settle in, Delaney discussed his new position with the Catholic Explorer Feb. 3 in Joliet. He said, “It’s a good fit for me because I bring a history and experience. I’m working with a new, young, energetic bishop as he begins his legacy here and I’m able to be a part of that.”