John Joseph Paul

John Joseph Paul (August 17, 1918 – March 5, 2006) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as an auxiliary bishop and bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse in Wisconsin from 1977 to 1994

Early years
John Paul was born on August 17, 1918, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He graduated from Aquinas High School in La Crosse in 1935 and from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa in 1939.

Ordination and ministry
Paul was ordained to the priesthood on January 24, 1943 by Auxiliary Bishop William Griffin at St. Rose of Viterbo Convent in La Crosse, the motherhouse of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. While stationed in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Paul help established Regis High School.

In 1955, Paul became rector of Holy Cross Seminary in La Crosse. On October 7, 1956, Pope Pius XII made Paul a monsignor. In 1956, Paul received a master's degree in education from Marquette University. In 1966, Paul became rector of the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman in La Crosse.

Auxiliary Bishop and Bishop of La Crosse
Paul was appointed auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of La Crosse on May 17, 1977 by Pope Paul VI. Paul was consecrated on August 4, 1977.

On October 14, 1983, Paul was appointed bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse by Pope John Paul II, succeeding Bishop Frederick Freking. On December 5, 1983, he was installed as bishop. In 1986, Paul convened the fourth diocesan synod following the revised Canon Law of 1983; in 1987, the decrees of the fourth diocesan synod were published as: The Bishop With His People. In 1992, Paul founded the Aquinas Middle School in La Crosse.

On December 10, 1994, Paul submitted his resignation as bishop of La Crosse to John Paul II; he was succeeded by Bishop Raymond Burke. John Paul died at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center in La Crosse on Marcy 5, 2006, at age 87.