Originally posted by the Diocese of Colorado Springs and the Colorado Catholic Herald:
April 30, 2021
Father James Golka of the Diocese of Grand Island, Nebraska, named Bishop of Colorado Springs.
COLORADO SPRINGS. Pope Francis has named Father James Golka, a priest of the Diocese of Grand Island, Nebraska, as the third Bishop of Colorado Springs. Bishop-elect Golka (was) introduced by Bishop Michael Sheridan during a press conference today at 10 a.m. in the Hanifen Room at the Catholic Pastoral Center, 228 N. Cascade Ave. The press conference (was) broadcast via Facebook Live on the diocesan Facebook page (@CatholicDioceseCOS).
“I am incredibly humbled and excited for the opportunity to join in the ministry and mission of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Colorado Springs,” said Bishop-elect Golka. “I ask for your prayers; please be assured of mine.”
Bishop-elect Golka, 54, most recently served as Vicar General for the Diocese of Grand Island and as Rector of the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The fourth of ten children born to Robert and Patricia Golka, he graduated from Creighton University in 1989 with degrees in philosophy and theology. In 1990, he entered St. Paul Seminary at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he earned both a Master of Divinity and Master of Arts degree in Sacramental Theology. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Grand Island on June 3, 1994, by Bishop Lawrence McNamara.
Bishop Sheridan, who submitted his resignation to Pope Francis upon turning age 75 on March 4, 2020, said that he was very happy with the appointment.
“Bishop-elect Golka has already shown himself to be not only a skilled administrator, but also a man of prayer,” said Bishop Sheridan. “I believe that he will serve the people of this diocese very well.”
Bishop-elect Golka’s episcopal ordination is scheduled for late June. Details of the event will be announced shortly.