The Most Reverend Joseph R. Kopacz

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz was ordained and installed as the 11th Bishop of Jackson on Feb. 6, 2014. The official appointment of Pope Francis was announced on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec. 12) in 2013 by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò. More than 25 bishops and abbots participated in the ordination liturgy before a standing room only crowd in the Cathedral of Saint Peter the Apostle in Jackson, MS.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz was born in Dunmore, Pennsylvania on September 16, 1950, the son of the late Stanley and Carmella Marie Calomino Kopacz. He is the second of three children with a brother, Robert, recently deceased, and a sister, Mary Ellen Negri.

He was ordained to the Diaconate on April 23, 1976 by the Most Reverend J. Carroll McCormick and was ordained to the Priesthood on May 7, 1977, also by Bishop McCormick for the Diocese of Scranton, PA.

Prior to his episcopal ordination in Jackson, MS he served as a priest in the Diocese of Scranton for 36 1⁄2 years. Over this period of time he served in a variety of ministries, at times overlapping. He was a Parochial Vicar for three years and a pastor in several parish assignments for a total of 23 1⁄2 years. He was Vicar for Priests for eight years and seminary formation director for 14 years. In addition, he served as a Vicar General for three years. In 2000, Father Kopacz earned a Doctorate in Human Development from Marywood University.

During his years of pastoral ministry, Father Kopacz also served in a variety of other Diocesan positions, including President of the Catholic Schools’ Board of Education, an advocate in the Tribunal, a member of the Diocesan Finance Council, Director of Continuing Education for Priests, a member of the College of Consultors and the Presbyteral Council, and Coordinator of Hispanic Ministry for Monroe County. All of these ministries and experiences have served him well in his episcopal service as the Bishop of Jackson.

President Luciano Lamonarca met with The Most
Reverend Joseph Kopacz
On April 2018, President Luciano Lamonarca met with The Most Reverend Joseph Kopacz, Bishop of Jackson. Bishop Kopacz reinforced his support to the Foundation, accepting the role as a Honorary Advocate.