William S. Skylstad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Excellency, The Most Reverend William Stephen Skylstad |
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| Bishop Emeritus of Spokane | |
| Diocese | Spokane |
| Appointed | April 17, 1990 |
| Enthroned | April 27, 1990 |
| Predecessor | Lawrence Welsh |
| Successor | Blase J. Cupich |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | May 21, 1960 |
| Consecration | May 12, 1977 by Raymond Hunthausen, Bernard Joseph Topel, and Bernard Francis Law |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 2, 1934 Methow, Washington |
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| Styles of William Stephen Skylstad |
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| Reference style |
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| Spoken style | Your Excellency |
| Religious style | Bishop |
William Stephen Skylstad (born March 2, 1934) is an American leader in the Roman Catholic Church. He served as a bishop in Washington State for many years. From 1990 to 2010, he was the bishop of the Diocese of Spokane. Before that, he was the bishop of the Diocese of Yakima from 1977 to 1990.
Bishop Skylstad also led the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as its president. In 2011, he was asked to help lead the Diocese of Baker in Oregon for about a year.
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About William Skylstad
Growing Up
William Skylstad was born on March 2, 1934, in Omak, Washington. He was the oldest of six children. His father, Stephen Skylstad, was an apple farmer who came from Norway. His mother, Reneldes Elizabeth Danzl-Skylstad, was Catholic.
When William was 14, he decided he wanted to become a Catholic priest. He left home to study at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Worthington, Ohio.
Becoming a Priest
On May 21, 1960, William Skylstad became a priest for the Diocese of Spokane. That same year, he attended Washington State University. He also worked as an assistant pastor at a church in Pullman, Washington.
In 1960, Skylstad started teaching at Mater Cleri. This was a special school for young men who wanted to become priests. He helped decide if students were a good fit for the priesthood. He also studied at Gonzaga University from 1961 to 1964. In 1968, he became the leader of Mater Cleri. He also became the pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Colbert. He continued these roles until 1974.
In 1974, Skylstad became the pastor at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Spokane, Washington. In 1976, he took on a new role as the chancellor of the diocese. This meant he helped manage the diocese's affairs.
Leading in Yakima
On February 22, 1977, Pope Paul VI chose Skylstad to be the bishop of Yakima. He officially became bishop on May 12, 1977. The ceremony took place at Holy Family Church in Yakima, Washington.
Leading in Spokane
On April 17, 1990, Pope John Paul II appointed Skylstad as the fifth Bishop of Spokane. He began his new role on April 27, 1990. From 2001, he served as the vice president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). On November 15, 2004, he was elected to lead the USCCB as its president for three years.
In December 2004, the Diocese of Spokane faced financial challenges. It filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy to reorganize its finances. The diocese agreed to pay money to help people who had been harmed. The money came from insurance, selling church property, and donations.
Retirement and Later Work
On June 30, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI accepted Bishop Skylstad's resignation. This meant he retired as bishop of Spokane.
In 2016, Catholic Charities USA honored Bishop Skylstad. They named him one of their volunteers of the year. He was recognized for helping people at the House of Charity in Spokane. He offered counseling and spiritual guidance. He also helped connect people with the assistance they needed from Catholic Charities.
