At noon today, Rome time, the Holy Father appointed Father Joseph G. Hanefeldt bishop of Grand Island, Nebraska succeeding Bishop William J. Dendinger. Father Hanefedlt hails from neighboring Omaha.
Bishop-elect Hanfeldt was born on April 25, 1958 at Creigton, Nebraska. He studied philosophy at St. John Vianney Seminary on the campus of St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota from 1976-1980, then studied theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome from 1980 through 1984 after which he studied at the Anselmo in Rome attaining his diploma in Sacramental Theology. He was ordained a priest for Omaha on July 14, 1984. He served on various diocesan assignments later becoming Spiritual Director for the North American College in Rome from 2007-2012. Most recently, he was pastor of Christ the King parish in Omaha. He was named Monsignor in 2010.
Congratulations, Diocese of Grand Island!
