Our Bishops, Then
And Now

The Most Rev. Edward M. Rice
JUNE 1, 2016 — CURRENT
Read: The Most Reverend Edward M. Rice named Seventh Bishop of Springfield-Cape Girardeau here
Read: STATEMENT of BISHOP EDWARD M. RICE on his appointment as Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau here
Read: CURRICULUM VITAE for The Most Reverend EDWARD M. RICE here
The Most Rev. James V. Johnston, Jr., DD, JCL
— Jan. 24, 2008 – Nov. 4, 2015
Read: Pastoral Letter on the Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary here
Read: Pastoral Letter on the Sacred Liturgy and Liturgical Norms here
The Most Rev. John J. Leibrecht, DD, PhD — Oct. 23, 1984 – Jan. 24, 2008
Read: Sharing God’s Life Together—Being Catholic in the Bible Belt here
Diocesan History-The Diocese Today 1984-2007
His Eminence Bernard Cardinal Law, DD — Oct. 22, 1973 – Jan. 23, 1984
Diocesan History-Challenges Met 1973-1984
Read: Article on his death here.
The Most Rev. Ignatius J. Strecker, DD, STD — April 7, 1962 – Sept. 10, 1969
Diocesan History-Vatican II Perspectives 1962-1969
The Most Rev. Ignatius J. Strecker, DD, STD — April 7, 1962 – Sept. 10, 1969
Diocesan History-Vatican II Perspectives 1962-1969
The Most Rev. Charles H. Helmsing, DD — Aug. 24, 1956 – Jan. 27, 1962
Read: ‘On Directing Our Intentions,’ First pastoral gives blueprint of diocese here
Diocesan History—A New Diocese 1956-1962
The Most Rev. James V. Johnston, Jr., DD, JCL
![]() |
Jan. 24, 2008 – Nov. 4, 2015 Read: Pastoral Letter on the Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary here |
![]() |
The Most Rev. John J. Leibrecht, DD, PhD — Oct. 23, 1984 – Jan. 24, 2008 Read: Sharing God’s Life Together—Being Catholic in the Bible Belt here Diocesan History-The Diocese Today 1984-2007 |
![]() |
His Eminence Bernard Cardinal Law, DD — Oct. 22, 1973 – Jan. 23, 1984 Diocesan History-Challenges Met 1973-1984 |
![]() |
The Most Rev. Ignatius J. Strecker, DD, STD — April 7, 1962 – Sept. 10, 1969 Diocesan History-Vatican II Perspectives 1962-1969 |
![]() |
The Most Rev. Ignatius J. Strecker, DD, STD — April 7, 1962 – Sept. 10, 1969 Diocesan History-Vatican II Perspectives 1962-1969 |
![]() |
The Most Rev. Charles H. Helmsing, DD — Aug. 24, 1956 – Jan. 27, 1962 Read: ‘On Directing Our Intentions,’ First pastoral gives blueprint of diocese here Diocesan History—A New Diocese 1956-1962 |