Thomas Olmstead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend Thomas James Olmsted |
|
|---|---|
| Bishop of Phoenix | |
| Church | Roman Catholic |
| Province | Santa Fe |
| Diocese | Phoenix |
| Appointed | November 25, 2003 |
| Enthroned | December 20, 2003 |
| Predecessor | Thomas J. O'Brien |
| Other posts | Apostolic Administrator, Eparchy of the Holy Protection of Mary of Phoenix |
Thomas James Olmsted (born January 21, 1947) is an important leader in the Roman Catholic Church in America. He holds the title of Bishop and is currently the fourth Bishop of Phoenix. Before coming to Phoenix, he was the Bishop of Wichita from 2001 to 2003.
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Early Life and Education
Thomas James Olmsted was born in Oketo, Kansas. His parents were Pat and Helen Olmsted. He grew up with two brothers and three sisters on a farm near Beattie, Kansas. He went to high school in Summerfield, Kansas.
After high school, he studied religion at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Denver, Colorado. In 1969, he earned a college degree called a "Bachelor of Arts" in Philosophy.
Becoming a Priest
Olmsted became a priest on July 2, 1973. He was assigned to work for the Diocese of Lincoln in Lincoln, Nebraska. There, he served as an associate pastor at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ.
Later, he traveled to Rome to continue his studies. He earned a special doctor's degree in religion. He returned to the United States in 1989.
Serving as a Bishop
Bishop of Wichita
On February 16, 1999, Pope John Paul II chose him to become the Bishop of Wichita, Kansas. He took over from the previous Bishop, Eugene Gerber.
Bishop of Phoenix
Olmsted was later named the fourth Bishop of Phoenix on November 25, 2003. He replaced Bishop Thomas O'Brien in this role.
