Joseph M. Breitenbeck

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The Most Reverend

Joseph M. Breitenbeck
Detroit, Michigan, US
DiedMarch 12, 2005(2005-03-12) (aged 90)
Grand Rapids, Michigan, US
BuriedResurrection Cemetery, Wyoming, US
EducationUniversity of Detroit
Sacred Heart Major Seminary
Pontifical Gregorian University
Catholic University of America

Joseph Matthew Breitenbeck (August 3, 1914 – March 12, 2005) was an American

Roman Catholic Church. He was the eighth bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids in Michigan from 1969 to 1989, having previously served as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit
in Michigan from 1965 to 1969.

Biography

Early life

Breitenbeck was born in

priesthood.[2] After graduating from Holy Redeemer High School, he began studying pre-law at the University of Detroit in 1932.[3] However, he abandoned his ambitions for a legal career after a priest suggested he consider the priesthood.[2]

In 1935, Breitenbeck enrolled at

Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he earned a Licentiate of Sacred Theology in 1942.[3]

Priesthood

On May 30, 1942, Breitenbeck was

ordained a priest by Archbishop Edward Mooney at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament.[4] His first assignment was as an assistant pastor at St. Margaret Mary Church in Detroit, where he remained for five years.[3] In 1947, he returned to Rome to pursue his graduate studies,[1] and earned a Licentiate of Canon Law from the Pontifical Lateran University in 1949.[1]

Upon his return to Detroit, Breitenbeck served as secretary to Cardinal Mooney from 1949 to 1958.

John F. Dearden, for a year.[1] He was pastor of Assumption Grotto Church in Detroit from 1959 to 1967.[5]

He accompanied Archbishop Dearden to the Second Vatican Council between 1962 and 1965.[2]

Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit

On October 18, 1965, Breitenbeck was appointed

consecration on the following December 20 from Archbishop Dearden, with Bishops John Anthony Donovan and Gerald Vincent McDevitt serving as co-consecrators, at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament.[4]

As an auxiliary bishop, he continued to serve as pastor of Assumption Grotto. In addition to his pastoral duties, he became

religious in 1966.[1]

Bishop of Grand Rapids

On October 15, 1969, Breitenbeck was appointed the eighth

confessions, and allowed divorced and remarried Catholics to receive the sacraments.[2] Some parishes strongly resisted changing the language of the Mass from Latin to English; St. Isidore's Church even took Breitenbeck and the diocese to court over the issue.[2] He also spoke out against nuclear warfare and in favor of a fair wage.[2]

In his 19 years as bishop, Breitenbeck oversaw the establishment of seven new parishes as well as the erection of the

clerical sexual abuse; these rules remained in force until major revisions in the early 21st century.[2] Having a sister with mental retardation led him to establish a ministry to help people with disabilities.[2] He also helped establish the Deposit & Loan Cooperative Investment Program, which allowed parishes to borrow money from diocesan funds at a lower interest rate, and supported the Michigan Catholic Conference's efforts to provide retirement benefits for priests and laity. He instituted regular changes and appointments of pastors and oversaw one of the renovations of the Cathedral of St. Andrew.[2]

Instead of living at the episcopal residence, Breitenbeck sold it and moved into a modest home in

United Way, Urban League
, and Economic Club.

Retirement and legacy

Shortly before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75, Breitenbeck resigned as Bishop of Grand Rapids on June 24, 1989.[4] Serving for nearly 20 years, he was the second-longest serving bishop in the history of the diocese; the diocese's first bishop, Henry Richter served for 33 years between 1883 and 1916.[6]

In 2002, having long-suffered from severe and chronic back pain, he moved to St. Ann's Home in Grand Rapids.[6] He there died at age 90.[1] He is buried at Resurrection Cemetery in Wyoming.[1]

Episcopal succession

Catholic Church titles
Preceded by Bishop of Grand Rapids
1969–1989 		Succeeded by

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i "BREITENBECK, Joseph Matthew" (PDF). Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-01-05.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Honey, Charles (2005-03-14). "Recalling 'a loving shepherd' – Local Catholics say bishop Breitenbeck was progressive thinker, humble man". The Grand Rapids Press.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Curtis, Georgina Pell (1961). The American Catholic Who's Who. Vol. XIV. Grosse Pointe, Michigan: Walter Romig.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Bishop Joseph Matthew Breitenbeck". Catholic-Hierarchy.org.
  5. ^ "Noteworthy Highlights on Assumption Grotto's Pastors". Assumption Grotto Catholic Church. Archived from the original on 2011-07-07.
  6. ^ a b c d Honey, Charles (2005-03-17). "Bishop remembered as 'nice man' – Hundreds to gather today for funeral of former leader of Grand Rapids Catholic Diocese". The Grand Rapids Press.
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