James Golka

James Robert Golka (born September 22, 1966) is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who has been serving as bishop for the Diocese of Colorado Springs in Colorado since 2021.

Biography

Early life

James Golka was born on September 22, 1966, in Grand Island, Nebraska, one of ten children of Robert and Patricia Golka. He attended Grand Island Central Catholic High School, where he played football. During his time at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, Golka began talking about going into the priesthood with the Jesuits. After graduating from college, he spent a year volunteering at a high school in the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota in what he called a test of his desire to become a priest.

Priesthood

On June 3, 1994, Golka was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Grand Island by Bishop Lawrence McNamara. He served as associate pastor of St. James in Kearney and Holy Rosary in Alliance. He then served as pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Scottsbluff and pastor of St. Patrick's in North Platte. Golka's last pastoral assignment before becoming bishop was as rector and pastor of the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Grand Island. Along with his parish assignments, Golka served as director of ongoing formation of clergy, director of diocesan youth retreats, chair of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commission, chair of the Personnel Board, member of the Diocesan Finance Council, the Presbyteral Council, and the Pension Board.

Bishop of Colorado Springs

Pope Francis appointed Golka as bishop for the Diocese of Colorado Springs on April 30, 2021. On June 29, 2021, Golka was consecrated by Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila.

Episcopal succession