Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint Joseph facts for kids
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint Joseph was a special church area, also known as a diocese, for the Roman Catholic Church in the northwestern part of Missouri, United States. It was created on March 3, 1868. Before this, its land was part of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis. The first leader, or bishop, of this diocese was John Joseph Hogan.
Later, on July 2, 1956, the Diocese of Saint Joseph became smaller when some of its land was used to create two new dioceses: the Diocese of Jefferson City and the Diocese of Springfield–Cape Girardeau. On the same day, the Diocese of Saint Joseph joined with the Diocese of Kansas City. Together, they became known as the Diocese of Kansas City–Saint Joseph.
Leaders of the Diocese
The diocese had several important leaders, called bishops, who guided the church community.
Bishops of Saint Joseph
- John Joseph Hogan (1868–1880): He was the very first bishop. After 1880, he was appointed Bishop of Kansas City but continued to help lead here until 1893.
- Maurice Francis Burke (1893–1923): He served as bishop for many years until he passed away.
- Francis Gilfillan (1923–1933): He also served as bishop until his death.
- Charles Hubert Le Blond (1933–1956): He was the last bishop of the Diocese of Saint Joseph before it merged.
Other Important Church Leaders
Sometimes, a bishop would have a helper called a "coadjutor bishop" who was expected to take over the role later.
- Francis Gilfillan (1922-1923): He served as a coadjutor bishop before becoming the main bishop.
Also, some priests who served in this diocese later became bishops in other parts of the country.
- Francis Johannes: He became a coadjutor bishop in Leavenworth in 1927.
- Charles Francis Buddy: He became the Bishop of San Diego in 1936.
