May 17, 2026 - "Bishop-elect Gary R. Studniewski"

Fr. Gary went on to serve for eighteen years as a chaplain in the U.S. Army.  He retired from the military in 2016 with the rank of colonel.  Cardinal Wuerl appointed him as the Administrator of St. Francis Xavier, Church In Leonardtown, Maryland (2016-2017), Pastor St. Peter’s on Capitol Hill (2017-2022), and Pastor of the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Washington (2022-2026).

 

On May 1, 2026, Pope Leo named Father Gary Studniewski and Father Roert Boxie as new auxiliary bishops for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington. Speaking at a press conference at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center in Hyattsville, Maryland, Bishop-elect Studniewski stated, “My first love has always been this Church… (and) I certainly accept this office humbly,” adding that he was eager to support Cardinal McElroy and “my brother priests” in service to the people of this archdiocese.

 

Cardinal McElroy remarked that these appointments showed “the Holy Father’s continuing provision, care and love for this local Church.” The Cardinal continued, “The pope has given us two wonderful, wonderful leaders for our local Church, adding the new bishops “will serve as collaborators with me and servants to the people of this local Church.”

 

At the press conference Bishop-elect Studniewski said that his military experience has taught him how to follow orders.  He told those at the press conference that he loved the following prayer, “Holy Spirit tell me what I should do. Give me your orders. A military man likes that.” He said that he wanted to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit.

 

The Episcopal Ordinations of Bishop-elect Gary Studniewski and Bishop-elect Robert Boxie will take place on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Ad multos annos!

 

Until next week,

Fr. John