The principal consecrator will be the Most Reverend John C. Nienstedt, S.T.D., Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, in the presence of the Most Reverend Pietro Sambi, S.T.D., J.C.D., Apostolic Nuncio to the United States . Bishop-designate LeVoir succeeds the 6 ½ years of leadership by Bishop John C. Nienstedt who was named Coadjutor Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis on April 24, 2007, by Pope Benedict XVI. Archbishop Nienstedt remained Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of New Ulm until December 13, 2007, and on May 2, 2008, succeeded Archbishop Harry J. Flynn in the archdiocese. Msgr. Douglas L. Grams has served as Diocesan Administrator since December. 

The public is also invited to an Evening Vespers Service at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2008, at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, 605 North State Street, New Ulm.

Those planning to attend any of the events should register with their New Ulm diocesan Catholic parish office by September 10^th. Those not affiliated with a parish can register by calling the New Ulm Diocesan Pastoral Center, (507) 359-2966; pforst@dnu.org.

John M. LeVoir was born February 7, 1946, to Marvin A. and Mary A. LeVoir in Minneapolis, MN. He has two brothers and one sister. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1968 from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul; a Bachelor of Science Business degree in accounting in 1971 from the University of Minnesota, becoming a certified public accountant in 1973; a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1974 from the University of Minnesota; and a Master of Arts degree in theology in 1981 from the St. Paul Seminary, Saint Paul, MN.

Prior to his ordination, he was employed from 1971-1976 as a public accountant for several firms and also as an instructor of accounting at the University of Minnesota.

He was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis on May 30, 1981, by Archbishop John R. Roach at the Cathedral of Saint Paul.

Following ordination, he served as Associate Pastor of the Church of St. Charles Borromeo in St. Anthony from 1981-1992; Pastor of the Church of the Holy Trinity in South St. Paul from 1992-2004; Pastor of the Church of St. Augustine in South St. Paul from 2000-2004. Since 2004, he has served as Pastor of the Church of St. Michael and the Church of St. Mary in Stillwater.

His publications include: Covenant of Love: Pope John Paul II on Sexuality, Marriage and the Family; Faith for Today: Pope John Paul II’s Catechetical Teachings; and Image of God Religion Series -theological consultant and author.

##

A photo of Bishop-designate LeVoir is available on the New Ulm Diocesan Web site at www.dnu.org.

Note to Media: Media passes will be required for all news outlet representatives.  Videographers, photographers, and reporters are asked to make arrangements with

 the diocesan Office of Communications, (507) 359-2966 for passes and gallery space.