Paul Albert Zipfel facts for kids

Quick facts for kids His Excellency, The Most Reverend Paul Albert Zipfel
Bishop of Bismarck
Bishop Zipfel in 2010
See	Diocese of Bismarck
Appointed	December 31, 1996
Enthroned	February 20, 1997
Reign ended	October 19, 2011
Predecessor	John Francis Kinney
Successor	David Kagan
Orders
Ordination	March 18, 1961
Consecration	June 29, 1989 by John L. May, Edward Joseph O'Donnell, and J. Terry Steib
Personal details
Born	(1935-09-22)September 22, 1935 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Died	July 14, 2019(2019-07-14) (aged 83) Missouri, U.S.
Previous post	Auxiliary Bishop of St. Louis 1989 to 1996.

Styles of Paul Albert Zipfel
Reference style	His Excellency The Most Reverend
Spoken style	Your Excellency
Religious style	Bishop

Paul Albert Zipfel (September 22, 1935 – July 14, 2019) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. A prelate is a high-ranking religious leader. He served as the sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Bismarck in North Dakota. He held this important role from 1997 to 2011.

Before becoming a bishop in Bismarck, Zipfel was an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Saint Louis. An auxiliary bishop helps the main bishop of a large area. He served in St. Louis from 1989 to 1996.

Paul Zipfel's Life Story

Early Life and Education

Paul Zipfel was born on September 22, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri. His parents were Albert and Leona Zipfel. He had two older siblings, Ralph and Marion. Paul went to St. Michael's Elementary School from 1940 to 1949.

After elementary school, he entered the St. Louis Preparatory Seminary. A seminary is a school where people study to become priests. He continued his studies at Kenrick Seminary in Missouri from 1955 to 1957. Then, he attended the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., from 1957 to 1961.

Becoming a Priest

Paul Zipfel was ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of St. Louis on March 18, 1961. Ordination is the ceremony where someone officially becomes a priest.

He earned a special degree called a Licentiate of Sacred Theology in June 1961. He also continued his education at Saint Louis University from 1963 to 1965. There, he earned a Master of Education degree. From 1961 to 1989, Zipfel worked in many different roles within the archdiocese. He served as an associate pastor, a pastor, a teacher, and an administrator. He worked at various schools and parishes.

Serving as Auxiliary Bishop

On May 16, 1989, Pope John Paul II chose Paul Zipfel to be an auxiliary bishop of St. Louis. He was also named the Titular Bishop of Walla Walla. A titular bishop is a bishop who has a title from a place that no longer has a functioning diocese.

He received his episcopal consecration on June 29, 1989. This is the special ceremony where a priest becomes a bishop. Archbishop John May led the ceremony. Bishops O'Donnell and Steib also helped.

Leading the Diocese of Bismarck

On December 31, 1996, Paul Zipfel was chosen to be the sixth Bishop of Bismarck. This diocese is located in North Dakota. He officially began his role on February 20, 1997.

As a bishop, he was part of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This group helps guide the Catholic Church in the United States. Bishop Zipfel served on important committees, including the Administrative Committee. He also worked on the Priestly Life and Ministry Committee.

Retirement and Later Life

Bishop Zipfel retired from his role as bishop of the Diocese of Bismarck on October 19, 2011. Pope Benedict XVI accepted his resignation. David Kagan became the new bishop after him.

After retiring, Bishop Zipfel lived at Saint Joseph's Hall at the University of Mary in Bismarck. He continued to help students with spiritual guidance and services. In 2012, Bishop Zipfel was diagnosed with dementia. Dementia is a condition that affects memory and thinking. His family and the Diocese of Bismarck decided he should move back to St. Louis. This way, he could be closer to his family. He lived at Mother of Good Counsel Home in Normandy, Missouri. Bishop Zipfel passed away on July 14, 2019.

See Also

Episcopal Succession