MILWAUKEE – The Most Reverend Donald J. Hying has been appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Gary, Indiana. The appointment, made by Pope Francis, was announced in Rome, today. Bishop Hying will be installed on January 6, 2014.
“We will truly miss Bishop Hying’s spiritual and administrative leadership,” said Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. “While we are sad to see him leave, we are grateful for his service and know that he will continue to be a blessing for the people of Gary, just as he has been a blessing for the faithful in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.”
“Since his appointment as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in May, 2011, Bishop Hying has demonstrated his unceasing commitment to evangelization in southeastern Wisconsin,” Archbishop Listecki added. “He has also worked tirelessly in support of youth and adult Catholic organizations and has been a living example and compassionate advocate for the sanctity of life. There’s no doubt that he has earned the admiration and respect of the clergy and faithful of the archdiocese. He is truly a fitting successor for the retiring Bishop Dale Melczek.”
“I am humbled, honored and excited to embrace the call to serve the Church in the Diocese of Gary, Indiana,” said Bishop Hying. “I am grateful to the Holy Father for his confidence and appointment, and I look forward to coming to know and love the People of God there.”
Bishop Hying was appointed to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Pope Benedict XVI on May 26, 2011 and ordained by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki as the 7th Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee on July 20, 2011. Hying was ordained to the priesthood on May 20, 1989, by Milwaukee Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland.
In addition to serving as Rector of St. Francis De Sales Seminary, from 2007 to present, Hying served as Temporary Administrator, St. Augustine Parish, Milwaukee, 2006; Dean of Formation, St. Francis De Sales Seminary, St. Francis, 2005 to 2007; Pastor, Our Lady of Good Hope Parish, Milwaukee, 1999 to 2005; St. Anthony Parish, Milwaukee, 1998 to 1999; Temporary Administrator, St. Peter Parish, East Troy, 1998; Team Member, La Sagrada Familia Parroquia, Dominican Republic, 1994 to 1997; and Associate Pastor, St. Anthony Parish, Menomonee Falls, 1989 to 1994.
He is a native of West Allis, Wisconsin. He was born to Albert and Catherine Hying (both deceased) on August 18, 1963 and is the youngest of six sons. He attended St. Aloysius and Immaculate Heart of Mary grade schools, Brookfield Central High School, and Marquette University. He earned his Masters of Divinity from Saint Francis De Sales Seminary. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Ministry degree from the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, and is finalizing his thesis.
