Some Big News in Bismarck

Since 1997 the Catholics of Western North Dakota have been shepherded by Bishop Paul Zipfel. Last year, at age 75, Bishop Zipfel submitted his resignation, as required by Canon (Church) Law. It always takes a while for a retiring bishop's successor to be appointed, and we've all been waiting anxiously. Today, our wait is over! Here is the official press release from Diocese of Bismarck:

Pope Benedict XVI has named 61 year-old Msgr. David Kagan of the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois, as bishop of the Diocese of Bismarck. Bishop-elect Kagan succeeds Bishop Paul A. Zipfel, 76, who has served as the Bishop of Bismarck since 1997. In naming a successor to Bishop Zipfel, Pope Benedict also accepted Bishop Zipfel’s resignation from the pastoral governance of the diocese, which he submitted at the mandatory retirement age of 75.

Msgr. Kagan was born on November 9, 1949, in Waukegan, Illinois, and grew up in Spring Grove, Illinois. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy, an S.T.B. in Sacred Theology and M.A. in Sacred Theology and a licentiate in Canon Law all from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

He was ordained a priest at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Rockford, Illinois, on June 14, 1975. Bishop-elect Kagan has served at a number of parishes in the diocese and in various positions including high school religion instructor, teacher of medical ethics at St. Anthony Hospital School of Nursing in Rockford, parish pastor and parochial administrator. Diocesan positions included Judicial Vicar, Diocesan Tribunal, Director of the Office of Communications, member of the College of Consultors and Chancellor – among others. He was named Pastor at the Holy Family Church in Rockford in July 2010.

He was created a Prelate of Honor of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, November 17, 1994. Bishop-elect Kagan was admitted to the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem as a Knight Commander in March 1995. July 2011 he was invested in the Ferrialo of a Prelate to signify his elevation to the title of Protonotary Apostolic Super Numerary of the Supreme Pontiff which is the highest level of honor for a monsignor.

Upon his ordination and installation scheduled for November 30, 2011, at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck, Msgr. Kagan will become the 7th Bishop of Bismarck.

If you're around on Monday, join the Diocese in prayers of thanksgiving:

The Diocese of Bismarck will offer an Evening Vespers Service on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 7:00 at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck. This Liturgical Service of Thanksgiving and Prayer will be for Bishop-elect, Msgr. David Kagan, PA, JCL. Presider for the prayer service will be Bishop Paul A. Zipfel. Everyone is invited to participate in this offer of thanksgiving.

-Fr. Jason