Joseph Richard Kopacz (born September 16, 1950) is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, serving as bishop of the Diocese of Jackson in Mississippi since 2014.
Early life and education
Joseph Kopacz was born in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. He is the son of Stanley and Carmella Calomino Kopacz. He is the second of three children with a brother, Robert, and a sister, Mary Ellen Negri. Joseph Kopacz is a graduate of Dunmore Central Catholic High School. He obtained a Bachelor of History degree from the University of Scranton. He then entered the Seminary of Christ the King in Buffalo, New York, where he obtained a Master of Theology degree.
Kopacz obtained a Masters in Latin from Fordham University. He obtained a Master in Counselling and Psychology and a doctorate in human development from Marywood University in Scranton.
Priesthood
Kopacz was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Scranton on May 7, 1977. After his ordination, he was parish priest of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania (1977–1989). He was professor at the Saint Pius X Seminary in Dalton (1980–1990) and pastor of the parish of Saint Michael, Saint James and Saint Stanislaus in Jessup, Pennsylvania (1989–1995).
