Vincent M. Rizzotto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Excellency, The Most Reverend Vincent Michael Rizzotto |
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| Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Galveston-Houston Titular Bishop of Lamasba |
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| Archdiocese | Galveston-Houston |
| Appointed | June 22, 2001 |
| Enthroned | July 31, 2001 |
| Reign ended | November 6, 2006 |
| Other posts | Titular Bishop of Lamasba |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | May 26, 1956 |
| Consecration | July 31, 2001 by Joseph Anthony Fiorenza, Patrick Flores, and John E. McCarthy |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 9, 1931 Houston, Texas |
| Died | January 17, 2021 (aged 89) Houston, Texas |
| Alma mater | Catholic University of America |
| Motto | Make us one in Christ |
| Styles of Vincent Michael Rizzotto |
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| Reference style |
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| Spoken style | Your Excellency |
| Religious style | Bishop |
Vincent Michael Rizzotto (September 9, 1931 – January 17, 2021) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. A prelate is a high-ranking member of the clergy. Rizzotto served as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston from 2001 to 2006. An auxiliary bishop helps the main bishop of a large area.
Biography
Early Life and Education
Vincent Rizzotto was born in Houston, Texas, on September 9, 1931. He attended St. Thomas High School in Houston, graduating in 1949. After high school, he continued his studies at St. Mary Seminary, also in Houston.
Becoming a Priest
On May 26, 1956, Rizzotto was ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. To be ordained means to be officially made a priest. After this, he went to Washington, D.C., to study at Catholic University of America. In 1963, he earned a special degree called a Licentiate of Canon Law.
From 1967 to 1972, Rizzotto worked for the diocesan marriage tribunal. This is like a church court that handles marriage cases. He also served as the pastor (leader) of All Saints Parish in Houston from 1969 to 1972.
In 1972, Rizzotto became the pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Houston, where he stayed for ten years. On September 14, 1978, he was given the special title of Monsignor. In 1982, he moved to become the pastor of St. Cecilia Parish in Hedwig Village, Texas, serving there until 2002. He also became a protonotary apostolic on February 16, 2000, which is a high honor. He also served as vicar general for the archdiocese, helping the main bishop manage the area.
Serving as a Bishop
On June 22, 2001, Pope John Paul II appointed Rizzotto as an auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Galveston-Houston. He was also named the Titular Bishop of Lamasba, which is an honorary title.
He officially became a bishop on July 31, 2001, in a ceremony called episcopal consecration at Saint Michael's Church in Houston. Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza led the ceremony, with Archbishop Patrick Flores and Bishop John McCarthy helping as co-consecrators. As a bishop, Rizzotto chose his motto: "Make Us One In Christ." A motto is a short phrase that expresses a guiding belief.
When he turned 75, the age when bishops usually retire, Rizzotto sent his resignation letter to Pope Benedict XVI. The Pope accepted his retirement on November 6, 2006.
Bishop Rizzotto started the Bishop Rizzotto Golf Classic. This event raises money to help elderly people living in the archdiocese's senior care community.
Vincent Rizzotto passed away on January 17, 2021, in Houston, at the age of 89.
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
