Learn More About
Bishop Peter
Christensen
Diocese Mission
Statement
United with our Bishop and in communion with the universal church, we the People of God in Idaho are called to build up the Kingdom of God by:
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Proclaiming the presence of God in word and sacrament
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Calling each other to conversion and to joyful sharing of the Good News by word and deed
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Nurturing and supporting vital faith communities
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Being a prophetic voice which affirms the good values of society and challenges what is destructive
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Discovering, celebrating and integrating the gifts of each individual, community and culture
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Recognizing and responding to those in need
Bishop Peter Christensen was appointed by Pope Francis as the 8th Bishop of the Diocese of Boise on Nov. 4, 2014. He was installed on Dec. 17, 2014, by the Most Rev. Alexander Sample, Archbishop of Portland, Oregon.
Born on Dec. 24, 1952, Bishop Peter graduated from Palos Verdes (CA) High School, studying art and becoming a self-employed potter. He enrolled at the College of the Redwoods in Eureka, Calif., but shortly thereafter moved to Minnesota with his mother and three younger sisters. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in art history from the University of St. Thomas. After graduation, he worked as a graphic designer. He entered seminary in 1981 at St. Paul Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., where he earned a Master of Divinity. In 1992, he received a Master of Applied Spirituality from the University of San Francisco.
Bishop Peter was ordained to the priesthood in St. Paul (Minn.) Cathedral on May 25, 1985, by Archbishop John R. Roach.
After serving four years at St. Olaf Parish in Minneapolis, he became spiritual director in 1989 at St. John Vianney College Seminary in St. Paul. He was named Rector of the seminary in 1992. While he was Rector, enrollment at the seminary increased from 30 to more than 100, making it the largest college seminary in the United States at that time.
Bishop Peter was then appointed pastor of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church in St. Paul, Minn., where he served for eight years before Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Superior, Wis., on June 28, 2007. He was ordained on Sept. 14, 2007, by St. Paul (Minn.) Archbishop Harry Flynn. He served as Bishop in Superior for 7½ years before his appointment to the Diocese of Boise.
Bishop Peter served as chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholics Bishops (USCCB) Subcommittee on Catholic Home Missions, and as member on the USCCB Subcommittee on Native American Affairs, a member of the Committee on National Collections, and a member of the Committee on Catholic Education.
Quick Facts About Bishop Peter Christensen
Born:
December 24, 1952
Ordained Priest:
May 25, 1985
Ordained a Bishop:
September 14, 2007
Appointed Bishop of Boise:
November 4, 2014
Installed as the Eighth Bishop of Boise:
Education:
St. John Vianney College Seminary, St. Paul, Minn.
Bachelor of Arts
St. Paul Seminary, St. Paul, Minn.
Master of Divinity
Master of Applied Spirituality
Ministry and Administration:
USCCB Subcommittee on Catholic Home Mission, Chairman
USCCB Subcommittee on Native American Affairs, Member
USCCB Committee on National Collections, Member
USCCB Committee on Catholic Education, Member