Pope Francis names Father James Powers

Bishop of Superior

On December 15, 2015 Pope Francis named

the eleventh Bishop of the Diocese of Superior.

The appointment was announced by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò,

apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Bishop Powers is a native of Baldwin, WI and of the Diocese of Superior. He is the second Diocese native son to serve as Bishop, the first being Bishop Annabring from 1954 to year 1959.  As a parish priest, Father Powers served parishes in Rice Lake, River Falls, Webster, Crescent Lake, Danbury, Solon Springs, Minong, Gordon, Dobie, Birchwood, and Haugen.  He has served as Diocesan Administrator since November 2014 when then Bishop Peter F. Christensen was named Bishop of Boise, Idaho.

Upon his appointment, Bishop Powers issued the following statement: “It is certainly with mixed feelings that I received the news that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, appointed me the next bishop for the Diocese of Superior. I am humbled to be called to the Order of Bishop and sincerely appreciate the confidence being placed in me.  I have great respect for the Office and the responsibilities involved and look forward with joy and gratitude as I accept this new role as your Shepherd.”

Bishop Power’s ordination and installation was held on February 18, 2016. As Bishop of the Diocese of Superior, he is also

President of Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc.