The archbishop is the visible head and foundation of unity in the local Church (archdiocese) entrusted to him by the Pope, the successor of Peter. He is also the link between the local Church and the universal Church. As a successor of the apostles, the bishop is responsible for the mission of the Church in the archdiocese. He needs the collaboration of the clergy, religious and laity to proclaim the Word of God and celebrate the sacraments for the redemption and salvation of God's people. Through his collaborators in the archdiocesan departments and agencies, and in parochial ministries, schools and hospitals, the archbishop plans and directs the apostolic work of the Church of Galveston-Houston.

Auxiliary bishops are given to the archbishop, especially if the archdiocese is extensive and very populous, either to assist him in his entire ministry, in some particular pastoral duties, or in caring for a part of the archdiocese.

The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is shepherded by Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, who ministers to the more than 1.3 million Catholics in the archdiocese.  Cardinal DiNardo is currently assisted by  Auxiliary Bishop Joe S. Vasquez. 

Auxiliary Bishop Joe S. Vasquez was ordained January 23, 2002.

After leading the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston as bishop & archbishop since 1985, Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza was granted retirement by Pope Benedict XVI on February 28, 2006.

Retired Auxiliary Bishop Vincent M. Rizzotto, who was ordained on July 31, 2001, was granted retirement by Pope Benedict XVI on November 6, 2006.

In this section, you will find biographies of the archbishops and bishops as well as recent pastoral messages.

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