Round Rock, Texas, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Bishop Daniel E. Garcia was installed as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Austin at St. William Catholic Church. The event was attended by over 30 bishops and featured discussions on community unity and welcoming individuals to the church. Garcia’s leadership is expected to revitalize participation among Catholics, reflecting his deep connections within the Austin community.
Round Rock, Texas – Bishop Daniel E. Garcia was officially installed as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Austin on Thursday afternoon at St. William Catholic Church in Round Rock. This significant ceremony was attended by over 30 bishops from regions including Texas, California, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, along with clergy, religious sisters, parish representatives, Catholic school principals, students, and special guests. The presence of such a large gathering highlights the importance of this event for the Catholic community in Austin.
Bishop Garcia is a native Texan deeply rooted in the Austin Diocese. He earned his formal education with an Associate of Arts degree from Tyler Junior College in 1982, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from the University of St. Thomas in Houston in 1984, and a Master of Divinity in 1988. His journey in the priesthood began when he was ordained for the Diocese of Austin on May 28, 1988, by Bishop John E. McCarthy.
Initially, Garcia took on roles as an associate pastor at several parishes within Austin, including St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Cristo Rey Parish, and St. Louis King of France Parish. From 1992 to 1995, he served at St. Mary Magdalene Parish in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Bishop Garcia became the founding pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Austin in 1995, where he managed church formation and building projects. In 2018, he was appointed by Pope Francis as the Bishop of the Diocese of Monterey, California.
The installation ceremony was not only a formal acknowledgment of his new leadership role, but also an opportunity for the congregation of Catholics to connect with Bishop Garcia and learn about his vision for the Austin Diocese. Bishop Garcia spoke on the significance of welcoming individuals to the church and recognizing the diverse gifts they bring. He addressed the issue of societal divisions and emphasized the need for fostering unity and constructive dialogue among community members.
Local clergy expressed optimism about Bishop Garcia’s approachable and kind nature. Father James Misko characterized him as friendly and capable of forming connections, especially with younger members of the congregation. A critical challenge noted for the Diocese is increasing participation among Catholics. However, the full pews during the installation suggest potential for growth and revitalization within the community.
Attendees included many students, such as Sarah Barkis from Holy Trinity Catholic High School, who described the event as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a blessing for those present. Bishop Garcia has also served on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Communications and the Committee on Divine Worship, currently chairing the Subcommittee on Divine Worship in Spanish. He is additionally a board member for Catholic Relief Services, reflecting his commitment to serving the church and its mission.
Key Features of Bishop Garcia’s Installation
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Installation as sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Austin |
| Location | St. William Catholic Church, Round Rock, Texas |
| Date | Thursday afternoon |
| Bishops Attended | Over 30 bishops from Texas, California, Louisiana, and Oklahoma |
| Educational Background | Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Divinity |
| Ordination Date | May 28, 1988 |
| Prior Leadership | Bishop of the Diocese of Monterey, California |
FAQ
Who is Bishop Daniel E. Garcia?
Bishop Daniel E. Garcia was officially installed as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Austin on Thursday afternoon at St. William Catholic Church in Round Rock.
What notable attendees were present at the installation ceremony?
The installation ceremony included over 30 bishops from Texas, California, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, as well as clergy, religious sisters, parish representatives, Catholic school principals, students, and special guests.
What is Bishop Garcia’s educational background?
He earned an Associate of Arts degree from Tyler Junior College in 1982, a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from the University of St. Thomas in Houston in 1984, and a Master of Divinity in 1988.
What is the focus of Bishop Garcia’s leadership?
Bishop Garcia emphasized the importance of making people feel welcome in the church and recognizing their gifts, alongside fostering unity and dialogue amidst societal divisions.
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Additional Resources
- CBS Austin
- Wikipedia: Daniel E. Garcia
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google Search: Daniel E. Garcia
- KVUE
- Google Scholar: Daniel E. Garcia
- KXAN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Daniel E. Garcia
- Our Sunday Visitor News
- Google News: Daniel E. Garcia
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