New Superior Bishop to be Ordained Thursday

The Diocese of Superior will ordain Reverend James P. Powers as it’s 11th Bishop on Thursday. 

The Mass will take place at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior, beginning at 2:00 p.m. on February 18. 

The ceremony will include the showing and reading of the Pope’s Letter of Appointment.   The new Bishop’s head is anointed with sacred oil and he will be presented with his ring, miter and a pastoral staff. The act of being seated in his chair symbolizes the beginning of his teaching authority in the sixteen county diocese. 

Powers will become Chief Pastor to the Catholic Diocese of Superior, which includes more than 65,000 Catholics in over 100 parishes and 15 Catholic elementary schools across 16 northern Wisconsin counties. 

The 62-year-old will replace Bishop Peter Christensen, who transferred to the Diocese of Boise, Idaho last year. 

Powers has served as the administrator of the Diocese of Superior since December of 2014.   The Diocese says because of his leadership role during the last year, the transition from Administrator to Bishop will “hopefully make for a smooth transition for Powers and everyone involved.”