Joseph Kopacz

Joseph Richard Kopacz (born September 16, 1950) is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, serving as bishop of the Diocese of Jackson in Mississippi since 2014.[1]

His Excellency, The Most Reverend

Joseph R. Kopacz
Bishop of Jackson
ChurchCatholic Church
DioceseJackson
AppointedDecember 12, 2013
InstalledFebruary 6, 2014
PredecessorJoseph Nunzio Latino
Orders
OrdinationMay 7, 1977
by Joseph Carroll McCormick
ConsecrationFebruary 6, 2014
by Thomas John Rodi, Joseph Nunzio Latino, and Joseph Bambera
Personal details
Born (1950-09-16) September 16, 1950
Dunmore, Pennsylvania
Alma mater
MottoFIAT LUX (Let there be light)
Styles of
Joseph Richard Kopacz
Reference style
Spoken styleYour Excellency
Religious styleBishop

Early life and education

Joseph Kopacz was born in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. He is the son of Stanley and Carmella Calomino Kopacz. He is the second of three children with a brother, Robert, and a sister, Mary Ellen Negri.[2] Joseph Kopacz is a graduate of Dunmore Central Catholic High School. He obtained a Bachelor of History degree from the University of Scranton. He then entered the Seminary of Christ the King in Buffalo, New York, where he obtained a Master of Theology degree.

Kopacz obtained a Masters in Latin from Fordham University. He obtained a Master in Counselling and Psychology and a doctorate in human development from Marywood University in Scranton.

Priesthood

Kopacz was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Scranton on May 7, 1977. After his ordination, he was parish priest of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania (1977–1989). He was professor at the Saint Pius X Seminary in Dalton (1980–1990) and pastor of the parish of Saint Michael, Saint James and Saint Stanislaus in Jessup, Pennsylvania (1989–1995).[1]

Kopacz was transferred to the Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Scranton (1995–1998). After this he was appointed director of education at the Seminary Saint Pius X (1998–2002), and pastor of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish in Scranton (2002–2006).

Kopacz served as vicar general and vicar for clergy (February 2005 – August 2009). From 2006 to 2014 he was the pastor of Most Holy Trinity Parish in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. In addition, he was a member of the Diocesan Council for Finance and coordinator of Hispanic apostolate for Monroe County.

Episcopacy

On December 12, 2013 Pope Francis appointed Kopacz as the eleventh bishop of the Diocese of Jackson. He was consecrated by Archbishop Thomas Rodi on February 6, 2014. Emeritus Bishop Joseph Latino and Bishop Joseph Bambera were the principal co-consecrators.[3]

See also

References
  1. "Rinunce e Nomine". Archived from the original on 2015-02-02. Retrieved 2014-01-08.
  2. "Pope Francis Appoints Father Joseph R. Kopacz, Ph.D., Diocese of Scranton Priest, as Bishop of Jackson, Mississippi « THE DIOCESE OF SCRANTON". Archived from the original on 2014-01-14. Retrieved 2014-01-08.
  3. "Bishop Joseph Richard Kopacz". Catholic-Hierarchy. Retrieved 2014-05-13.

Episcopal succession
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