Press Release 5/16/2006: Appointment of Bishop J. Peter Sartain

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Sister Judith A. Davies, OSF
815-722-6606

Appointment of Bishop J. Peter Sartain
Joliet, IL (May 16, 2006) Today, at 10 A.M., the Most Reverend Joseph L. Imesch, Bishop of the Diocese of Joliet, held a press conference at the St. Charles Borromeo Pastoral Center to introduce his successor, Bishop J. Peter Sartain (pronounced Sar’-tin) as the Fourth Bishop of Joliet. Following the announcement, both Bishops took questions from attending parishioners and reporters.

Bishop Imesch turns 75 on June 21, and according to Canon Law, the universal law of the Church, he must submit his resignation to Pope Benedict XVI. Bishop Sartain will serve as his successor.

Bishop Sartain was born on June 6, 1952 in Memphis, Tennessee. On July 15, 1978 he was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Memphis. He was appointed as Bishop of the Diocese of Little Rock on January 4, 2000, and ordained on March 6, 2000.

In addition to his pastoral experience as a parochial vicar and as a pastor, Bishop Sartain also has considerable administrative experience, having served as Director of Vocations, Chancellor, Moderator of the Curia, Vicar for Clergy, and Vicar General. He currently is a member of the Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, as well as the Chair of the USCCB Committee on the Home Missions.

The ceremony of installation is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 27, 2006, at the Cathedral of St. Raymond.

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