New bishop appointed for Fairbanks

Pope John Paul II announced Friday the appointment of Msgr. Donald Kettler, 57, pastor of Christ the King Parish, Sioux Falls, S.D., as the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Fairbanks. Kettler replaces the Rev. Michael J. Kaniecki, who died Aug. 6, 2000 of a massive heart attack in Emmonak, Alaska.

In 1962 the Diocese of Fairbanks was established with Bishop Francis Doyle Gleeson serving as its first Ordinary until 1968.

Bishop-elect Kettler is the first diocesan priest chosen for the Diocese of Fairbanks.

The Diocese of Fairbanks remains the only missionary diocese in the United States covering approximately 409,849 square miles.

The Diocese of Fairbanks reaches north of the Alaska Range from the Canadian border on the east to the Bering and Chukchi Seas on the west.

"The appointment of bishop-elect Kettler to the Diocese of Fairbanks truly is good news. He is a welcome addition to the Church in Alaska. He has all the needed talents as well as the right type of character necessary to make him an effective pastor and shepherd as the new bishop of Fairbanks," Bishop Michael W. Warfel said. "He comes to an area of the world that demands much of a bishop. A priest with many skills as well as being known for outstanding character, his appointment demonstrates the confidence that has been placed upon his ability to be of service to the people of the diocese."

Kettler is excited to get started, he said.

"I am grateful to our Holy Father for his trusting call to serve the Diocese of Fairbanks. For a number of years, I have had a personal interest in this Alaskan diocese and its people. I have been receiving the diocesan newsletter 'Alaskan Shepherd' for the last decade and recall an enjoyable visit to Fairbanks a few years go," Kettler said. "I have spent most of my years as a parish priest. I hope to bring this experience of pastoring with me to the Diocese of Fairbanks. I will certainly miss my diocese, family and parish. But I know that with current technology, we will be able to stay in close touch."

Bishop Robert Carlson, Diocese of Sioux Falls, said Kettler will be missed.

"The Diocese of Fairbanks is receiving a wonderful shepherd. Bishop-elect Kettler is an excellent pastor and I concur with the confidence the Holy Father obviously has in him in appointing him as bishop of Fairbanks. Bishop-elect Kettler has terrific experience in a variety of diocesan leadership roles -- from education to stewardship to canon law to ecumenism," Carlson said. "He has been well loved at every parish where he has served. I have greatly appreciated the chance to share priesthood with him in this diocese, and I look forward to continuing to work with him as a brother bishop."

Kettler arrived in Alaska June 7 for a press conference.

Kettler will fly back to South Dakota after a visit to Anchorage, and will return to Fairbanks in July.