Bishop Robert Francis Vasa

Robert Francis Vasa was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on May 7, 1951, within the diocese of the same name. He pursued philosophical studies at St. Thomas Seminary in Denver (1968–1972) and theological studies at Holy Trinity Seminary in Dallas (1972–1976). Subsequently, he obtained a Licentiate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome (1981). He was ordained a priest on May 22, 1976, and incardinated into the Diocese of Lincoln. He then held the following positions: parochial vicar at the Lincoln Cathedral and teacher at Pius X High School (1976–1979); advocate at the diocesan tribunal (1977–1979); assistant chancellor (1981–1985); judicial vicar (1985–1996); pastor of St. James Parish in Cortland (1985–1987) and St. Peter Parish in Lincoln (1990–1996); and vicar general and moderator of the curia (1996–1999). Appointed Bishop of Baker on November 19, 1999, he received episcopal ordination on January 26, 2000. Within the Bishops' Conference, he is a member of the Subcommittee on Catholic Home Missions and the Task Force on Health Care. He also serves as the episcopal moderator of the Catholic Medical Association.