Alphonse James Schladweiler, D.D.

Bishop of the Diocese of New Ulm

January 30, 1958 - December 23, 1975

Monsignor Alphonse J. Schladweiler was appointed first bishop of the newly established Diocese of New Ulm on November 28, l957. He was ordained a bishop on January 29, 1958, by Archbishop William 0. Brady at St. Paul Cathedral, St. Paul, MN, and was installed bishop of the Diocese of New Ulm on January 30, 1958, at the Cathedral of Holy Trinity, New Ulm, MN, by Archbishop William 0. Brady, Archbishop of St. Paul, MN.

Bishop Schaldweiler, noted for his gentle spirit, and openness to people, was the Ordinary chosen to be responsible for carrying out the development of the newly formed diocese established by Pope Pius XII, November 18, 1957. He served as Bishop of the Diocese of New Ulm for 18 years from January 30, 1958, until his retirement was accepted by Pope Paul VI on December 23, 1975.

Bishop Schladweiler was noted for his pioneering efforts in forming a new diocese, constructing the diocesan chancery, and developing a new community of diocesan leaders committed to the service of 68,094 Catholics, 98 priests, 86 parishes and 9 missions, 7 High Schools, and 2 Hospitals.

In addition to creating the foundation for the new diocese he was one of the first Bishops to follow an appeal from Pope Pius XII to establish missions in South America. Bishop Schladweiler led the diocese into a long term commitment to the Church in Latin America. The Diocese of New Ulm assumed the responsiblitiy for staffing the small parish in the highlands of San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala. He believed that the commitment to San Lucas was one of the most important accomplishments of his administration of the Diocese of New Ulm. The diocese has remained committed to this sister parish to the present day.

Bishop Schladweiler participated in all the sessions of the Second Vatican Council in Rome from 1962-1965. After the Council he worked to implement its decrees including: introduction of the new English Mass; changes in liturgical practices; changes in the structure of diocesan administration.

The Diocesan Priests' Council was established in 1968, the Sisters' Council in 1972, and the Diocesan Pastoral Council in 1973. Bishop Schladweiler also encouraged and fostered the development of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women established in 1958.

He remained bishop of the Diocese of New Ulm until December 23, 1975, when his retirement was accepted by Pope Paul VI. At the age of 93, Bishop Schladweiler died Wednesday, April 3, 1996.