J. Terry Steib facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Excellency, The Most Reverend James Terry Steib |
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| Bishop Emeritus of Memphis | |
| Diocese | Memphis |
| Appointed | March 24, 1993 |
| Enthroned | May 5, 1993 |
| Predecessor | Daniel M. Buechlein |
| Successor | Martin Holley |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | January 6, 1967 |
| Consecration | February 10, 1984 by John L. May, George Joseph Gottwald, and Charles Roman Koester |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 17, 1940 Vacherie, Louisiana, US |
| Previous post |
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| Motto | The Lord is my light |
| Styles of James Terry Steib |
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| Reference style |
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| Spoken style | Your Excellency |
| Religious style | Bishop |
James Terry Steib, born on May 17, 1940, is an important leader in the Roman Catholic Church in America. He is a member of the Society of the Divine Word. Bishop Steib served as an auxiliary bishop in St. Louis, Missouri, from 1983 to 1993. Later, he became the first African-American bishop of the Diocese of Memphis in Tennessee, serving from 1993 until 2016.
Contents
Bishop James Steib's Early Life and Education
Growing Up in Louisiana
James Terry Steib was born in Vacherie, Louisiana. He was one of five children in his family. As a child, he helped his family harvest sugar cane. This was hard work, but it taught him about dedication.
His Path to Becoming a Priest
After finishing high school, James Steib decided to study for the priesthood. He attended St. Augustine Seminary in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. He also studied at St. Michael's Mission House Seminary in Conesus, New York. He earned a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's Mission Seminary in Techny, Illinois.
Bishop Steib's Priesthood and Leadership Roles
Becoming a Priest
On January 6, 1967, James Steib became a priest. Archbishop Philip Matthew Hannan ordained him in Bay St. Louis. He joined the Society of the Divine Word, a group of Catholic missionaries.
Teaching and Guiding Students
After becoming a priest, Steib began teaching. He worked at Saint Stanislaus College in Bay St. Louis. There, he taught high school students subjects like English, literature, and religion. He also served as an assistant dean of students from 1967 to 1969. In 1973, he earned a master's degree in guidance and counseling from Xavier University in New Orleans.
Leading His Religious Order
In 1976, Steib took on a bigger leadership role. He was appointed as the provincial superior for the Southern Province of his order. He held this important position for three years. In 1979, he became the vice president of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men. This group represents leaders of many religious orders.
Bishop Steib's Service as a Bishop
Auxiliary Bishop in St. Louis
On December 6, 1983, Pope John Paul II chose James Steib to be an auxiliary bishop of St. Louis. An auxiliary bishop helps the main bishop of a large area. He was officially made a bishop on February 10, 1984. Archbishop John L. May led the ceremony.
Leading the Diocese of Memphis
On March 24, 1993, Pope John Paul II appointed Steib as the bishop of Memphis. He was officially installed on May 5, 1993. As bishop, one of his main achievements was reopening eight Catholic schools in Memphis. These schools had closed because of money problems. Bishop Steib worked hard to make sure these schools could serve students again.
Honoring Bishop Steib
On December 21, 2015, the Memphis City Council honored Bishop Steib. They renamed a part of Central Avenue as J. Terry Steib Lane. This was to recognize his many years of service to the community.
Retirement from Service
On August 23, 2016, Pope Francis accepted Bishop Steib's request to retire. He had served the Diocese of Memphis for many years.
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
Images for kids
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The coat of arms for Bishop James Terry Steib.
