Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Donald J. Hying the bishop of the Diocese of Gary, Indiana, according to a press release from the Milwaukee Archdiocese Monday, Nov. 24.

The announcement was made in Rome today. He will succeed Bishop Dale J. Melczek when he is installed as the fourth bishop of Gary Jan. 6, 2015.

Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki said the archdiocese would miss the spiritual and administrative leadership of Bishop Hying, who was appointed an auxiliary in the archdiocese May 26, 2011.

“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,” he said in the written statement.

Archbishop Listecki said Bishop Hying “is truly a fitting successor for the retiring Bishop Dale Melczek.”

“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,” he said. “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.”

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Bishop Hying gives “immediate yes” to new assignment

Bishop Hying said he’s ready to answer the call to his new position, according to the release.

“I am humbled, honored and excited to embrace the call to serve the church in the Diocese of Gary, Indiana,” he said. “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.”

Archbishop Listecki ordained the West Allis native the seventh auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese, July 20, 2011.

Bishop Hying, who was ordained to the priesthood May 20, 1989, by Milwaukee Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, also served as rector of Saint Francis de Sales Seminary, St. Francis, 2007 to present; temporary administrator, St. Augustine Parish, Milwaukee, 2006; dean of formation, Saint Francis de Sales Seminary, St. Francis, 2005-2007; pastor, Our Lady of Good Hope Parish, Milwaukee, 1999-2005; pastor, St. Anthony Parish, Milwaukee, 1998-1999; temporary administrator, St. Peter Parish, East Troy, 1998; team member, La Sagrada Familia Parroquia, Dominican Republic, 1994-1997; and associate pastor, St. Anthony Parish, Menomonee Falls, 1989-1994.

Born the youngest of six sons to the late Albert and late Catherine Hying, Bishop Hying attended St. Aloysius and Immaculate Heart of Mary grade schools, Brookfield Central High School and Marquette University, Milwaukee, and earned his master’s from Saint Francis de Sales Seminary, St. Francis. He is pursuing his Doctor of Ministry degree from the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, Illinois.