Richard Stika

Bishop Stika, Knoxville, Tennessee

His Excellency, The Most Reverend Richard Frank Stika
Bishop of Knoxville
Church	Roman Catholic Church
Diocese	Knoxville
Appointed	January 12, 2009
Installed	March 19, 2009
Predecessor	Joseph Edward Kurtz
Orders
Ordination	December 14, 1985
Consecration	March 19, 2009 by Justin Francis Rigali, Joseph Edward Kurtz, and Robert Joseph Shaheen
Personal details
Born	Richard Frank Stika July 4, 1957 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Alma mater	Kenrick-Glennon Seminary
Motto	Jesu Confido In Te

Richard Frank Stika (born July 4, 1957) is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He has served as the Bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville in Tennessee since 2009.

Early life and education

Richard Stika was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended St. Louis University High School and later entered Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy. He continued his theological studies at the same seminary, obtaining a Master of Divinity degree.

Priesthood

Stika was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of St. Louis on December 14, 1985, by Archbishop John L. May. He served in various pastoral roles within the archdiocese, including as a parish priest and in administrative positions. He was also involved in the archdiocesan tribunal and served as the director of the Office of Child and Youth Protection.

Bishop of Knoxville

On January 12, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Stika as the third Bishop of Knoxville. He was consecrated on March 19, 2009, by Cardinal Justin Francis Rigali, Archbishop Joseph Edward Kurtz, and Bishop Robert Joseph Shaheen. His episcopal motto is "Jesu Confido In Te" (Jesus, I trust in You).

As Bishop of Knoxville, Stika has overseen the growth of the diocese, including the construction of new churches and the expansion of diocesan ministries. He has been an advocate for Catholic education and has supported various charitable initiatives within the diocese.

Controversies

During his tenure, Stika has faced some controversies, including allegations of mishandling cases of clergy sexual abuse. These issues have been a point of concern and discussion within the diocese and the broader Catholic community.

Personal life

Bishop Stika is known for his devotion to the Divine Mercy and has promoted this devotion within his diocese. He is also an avid sports fan, particularly of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.

See also

• Roman Catholic Diocese of Knoxville
• List of Roman Catholic bishops of the United States