Bishop's Office

Bishop Joseph E. Strickland serves as the fourth Bishop of Tyler. The staff of the bishop’s office, and the chancery as a whole, assists him in the day-to-day administration of the diocese and for the spiritual well-being of Catholics in northeast Texas.

Bishops are successors of the Apostles and, in their own dioceses, they are the chief teachers, sanctifiers and shepherds of God’s people. The responsibilities of a bishop are:

To Teach: A bishop is the principal teacher in his diocese and has a responsibility to preach the Word of God to his people. He must ensure that those delegated to teach in his name, namely priests, teachers, catechists and others, teach the truth.

To Govern:  This refers to meeting the needs of the local community (material, social, personal and spiritual) as well as ensuring that Church laws are observed. He is ultimately responsible for training and supplying priests for parishes, for the finances of the diocese and for all church property. A bishop has the power to make Church laws, be a judge in Church matters and to enforce observance of these laws. These laws generally relate to worship, preaching, administration of the sacraments, safeguarding the faith and morals of the faithful and religious instruction.

To Sanctify: A bishop is responsible for ensuring that the sacraments are administered and has the special authority to ordain priests and to confirm.

To contact the bishop’s office:

1015 E. Southeast Loop 323
Tyler, Texas 75701

Phone: (903) 534-1077
Fax: (903) 534-1370

Bishop’s Office Staff