21 December 2009

Overview: Province of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota

The province is composed of the metropolitan, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, along with nine suffragan dioceses: Bismarck (North Dakota), Crookston, Duluth, Fargo, New Ulm, Rapid City (South Dakota), Saint Cloud, Sioux Falls (North Dakota), and Winona. All are in Minnesota except where indicated.

Archbishop John Clayton Nienstedt (62) is the ordinary of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. In addition there is an auxiliary bishop, Bishop Lee Anthony Piché (51).

The Diocese of Bismarck, North Dakota is led by Bishop Paul Albert Zipfel (74). He celebrated 20 years as a bishop last summer. His retirement and the naming of a replacement is likely in the next year or so.

Bishop Michael Joseph Hoeppner (60) is the head of the Diocese of Crookston, Minnesota. He will celebrate 35 years as a priest in June.

The Diocese of Duluth, Minnesota has Bishop Paul David Sirba (49) as its ordinary. He was consecrated a bishop last week.

Bishop Samuel Joseph Aquila (59) heads the Diocese of Fargo, North Dakota. He is also at the length of experience and age where he might well be considered for other posts. Although he would be the first ordinary from this diocese to move on.

The Diocese of New Ulm, Minnesota is led by Bishop John Marvin LeVoir (63).

Bishop Blase Joseph Cupich (60) is the ordinary of the Diocese of Rapid City, South Dakota. He is also at an age and experience that he might well be considered for other posts.

The Diocese of Saint Cloud, Minnesota is led by Bishop John Francis Kinney (72).

Bishop Paul Joseph Swain (66) is the head of the Diocese of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The Diocese of Winona, Minnesota has as its ordinary Bishop John Michael Quinn (64).

Overall this province has seen a good number of changes to its hierarchy in the last two years. The only likely retirement in the coming year or so is Bishop Zipfel. Beyond that, there are bishops (Aquila and Cupich) that might be considered for other posts in the next few years.

No comments: