A new shepherd in Crookston

The Holy Father has accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Victor H. Balke as Bishop of Crookston, Minnesota (USA).

The Holy Father has named as the new Bishop of Crookston Monsignor Michael J. Hoeppner, 58, currently Vicar General of the diocese of Winona, Minnesota. Bishop-elect Hoeppner was born and educated in Winona, studying philosophy at Immaculte Heart of Mary seminary there. He was then sent to the Pontifical North American College in Rome, studying theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University.

He was ordained a priest by Pope Paul VI June 29, 1975 for the Diocese of Winona. He served as Assistant Pastor of St. Joseph the Worker parish in Mankato, Minnesota from 1975 to 1980, after which he taught at Loyola High School in Mankato, Director of Pacelli High School in Austin, and Diocesan Director of Vocations until 1984. From 1985 to 1987, he studied at St. Paul University in Ottawa, Canada, where he earned a License degree in Canon Law. He also obtained a Masterrs of Education degree from Winona State University.

Bishop-elect Hoeppner then served as Pastor of St. Paul parish in Minnesota City from 1988 until 1992 when he became Pastor of St. Casimir parish in Winona until 1997. During that decade he also served as Judicial Vicar of the Diocese. He was named Vicar General in 1997. From 1997 to 1999 he served as Diocesan Administrator. He was named Moderator of the Curia in 1999.