What do you say to Pope Benedict XVI's right-hand man in the United States when he surprises you with a promotion?

Bishop Gorman High School graduate Alexander Sample's first response was "Oh, no." He followed that up with "I'm too young."

Since that mid-December phone call from former Papal Nuncio Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, the 45-year-old priest has learned that his reaction was more on target than he realized. When Sample is ordained on Jan. 25 as the 12th bishop of the Diocese of Marquette in Michigan, he will be the youngest Roman Catholic bishop in the United States.

"I was quite stunned when I got that phone call," said Sample, who attended St. Ann Catholic School before going to Bishop Gorman. "You don't prepare yourself for a phone call like that."

The office of bishop isn't one that priests apply for. Individuals who fill those leadership positions are chosen by the pope. Those being considered often don't know that they've been nominated by fellow clergy or church leaders until they're notified that the decision has been made.

The vetting process is conducted in strict confidentiality, Sample said. Those contacted about a potential bishop's qualifications aren't allowed to speak of it with anyone.

Sample is joining a small society: There are about 300 Roman Catholic bishops in the United States who oversee the functions of 195 dioceses. In addition to that, bishops are empowered to administer the Catholic sacraments of holy orders and confirmation.

News of Sample's ascent has rippled through his group of friends and former teachers at Gorman. The announcement even has been posted on the school's Web site. Sample said he has been receiving congratulatory calls and e-mails from people with whom he had lost touch over the years.

Sample's former chemistry teacher, Virginia Cunningham, who remembers him as Sandy, said that while he might feel overwhelmed, she thinks he's more than up to the job.

"To have a church leader so young and enthusiastic is important," said Cunningham, who is now Bishop Gorman's curriculum director. "It's so important. The success of the church rests with the young people."

Cunningham remembers Sample well, partly because he was in the first chemistry class she taught at Gorman in 1977. She recalls snapping a photo of Sample and two of his friends in her classroom that year.

"They were all very creative young men," Cunningham said. "They were all standing so straight and tall. They looked like future leaders of the world."

Sample, who moved to Las Vegas from Montana with his family in 1967, began life after high school as a man of science. He earned a bachelor of science degree and a master's degree in metallurgical engineering from Michigan Technological University in Houghton.

In 1984, during the week before Easter, family matters brought Sample face-to-face with his vocation. The thought of the priesthood wasn't a new one to Sample, but it was brought to the forefront by a life-changing event for his sister, Barbara Kreiber, who also lives in Michigan. At the time, Sample said he was restless soul, trying to decide what to do with his own life.

"My sister got married that year," Sample said. "And I started thinking about what a commitment she was making. That triggered something in me. I thought, 'God is calling me to be a priest. If it's not meant to be, then I can put it aside and be at peace.'"

Sample then embarked on the path he has been following ever since. He was ordained a priest in 1990 after completing studies in philosophy at the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., and entering the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. In 1996, he received a Licentiate in Cannon Law after completing graduate studies at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas (Angelicum) in Rome.

Sample has filled several posts in Michigan, including associate pastor of St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette and pastor of St. George Parish in Bark River, Sacred Heart Parish in Schaffer and St. Michael Parish in Perronville.

He is now the director of ministry personnel for the Diocese of Marquette and has been the canonical pastor and sacramental minister of St. Christopher Parish in Marquette since 1996.

Sample says he is excited by his new role but intimidated by the scope of it. He hasn't had time to form his agenda yet, but he knows he'll be one of many working to shore up a faith that's been shaken by child sex scandals involving U.S. priests.

He will replace retiring Bishop James Garland, whom Sample credits with giving him helpful advice about tackling his new role.

"Bishop Garland told me to trust in the Lord," Sample said. "He said there's a grace that comes with the office that gives you what you need."