J. Terry Steib facts for kids

Styles of James Terry Steib
Reference style	His Excellency The Most Reverend
Spoken style	Your Excellency
Religious style	Bishop

James Terry Steib, a member of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), was born on May 17, 1940. He is an American Catholic leader who retired after serving as the Bishop of Memphis from 1993 to 2016. Before that, he was an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of St. Louis from 1983 to 1993. Bishop Steib made history as the first African American to lead the Diocese of Memphis.

About Bishop Steib

Early Life and Education

James Terry Steib was born in Vacherie, Louisiana, on May 17, 1940. He was one of five children in his family. Growing up, he helped his family harvest sugar cane. After finishing high school, Steib went to St. Augustine Seminary in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. He also studied at St. Michael's Mission House Seminary in Conesus, New York. He earned his bachelor's degree from St. Mary's Mission Seminary in Techny, Illinois.

Becoming a Priest

On January 6, 1967, James Terry Steib became a priest. He was ordained by Archbishop Philip Matthew Hannan for the Society of the Divine Word in Bay St. Louis. After becoming a priest, he started teaching high school students. He taught English, literature, religion, reading, and speech at Saint Stanislaus College in Bay St. Louis. From 1967 to 1969, he also worked as an assistant dean of students there. In 1973, Steib earned a master's degree in guidance and counseling from Xavier University in New Orleans.

In 1976, Steib was chosen to be the provincial superior for the Southern Province of his religious order. He held this important leadership role for three years. In 1979, he became the vice president of a group called the Conference of Major Superiors of Men.

Serving as a Bishop

On December 6, 1983, Pope John Paul II appointed Steib as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. An auxiliary bishop helps the main bishop. He was officially consecrated as a bishop on February 10, 1984.

Leading the Diocese of Memphis

On March 24, 1993, Pope John Paul II appointed Bishop Steib to lead the Diocese of Memphis. He officially began his role on May 5, 1993.

One of Bishop Steib's most important achievements was reopening eight Catholic schools in Memphis. These schools had been closed because of money problems by a previous bishop. Bishop Steib believed it was very important to offer Catholic education to children, especially those who needed it most. He once said that closing a school meant leaving behind children who truly wanted a Catholic education.

In June 2005, Bishop Steib shared his thoughts on welcoming all people in his pastoral letter "This Far by Faith." He wrote about making sure everyone feels included and valued in the Church.

In 2009, Bishop Steib spoke about a discussion among other American bishops. This discussion was about the University of Notre Dame inviting President Barack Obama to speak. Bishop Steib noted that similar concerns were not raised when other leaders, whose views on certain issues might not align with Catholic teachings, were honored.

On December 21, 2015, the Memphis City Council honored Bishop Steib by renaming a part of Central Avenue as J. Terry Steib Lane. This was a special way to recognize his service to the community.

Bishop Steib retired from his role as Bishop of Memphis on August 23, 2016. Pope Francis accepted his resignation.

See also

• Catholic Church hierarchy
• Catholic Church in the United States
• Historical list of the Catholic bishops of the United States
• List of Catholic bishops of the United States
• Lists of patriarchs, archbishops, and bishops