Catholic University of America in 1933.[1]Returning to Milwaukee, Tanner served as a chaplain and professor of religion at St. Mary's Provincial Motherhouse and as a curate at Immaculate Conception Parish.[2] From 1936 to 1941, he was the archbishop's secretary for Catholic Action and Catechetics.[1]
In 1941, Tanner joined the National Catholic Welfare Conference (NCWC) where he served as assistant director of the Youth Department. He became director of that department in 1942 .[1] Tanner was appointed assistant general secretary of the NCWC in 1945. He was raised to the ranks of papal chamberlain in 1948 and domestic prelate in 1954.[1]In 1958, Tanner became NCWC director, staying in that position until 1968.[2] In this position, he executed and coordinated the policies set by the body of the nation's Catholic bishops.
Titular Bishop of Lamasba
On October 18, 1965, Tanner was appointed titular Bishop of
Patrick O'Boyle serving as co-consecrators.[3] He was the first priest to become a bishop while holding the office of general secretary.[2]
Bishop of St. Augustine
On February 15, 1968, Paul VI named Tanner as the seventh bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine.
Claude R. Kirk, Jr.[4] Following the unexpected death of Pope John Paul I, Tanner reacted with "shock and surprise, even horror...It's a reminder that we are just one heartbeat away from eternity."[5]
