Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens has been installed as the eighth Bishop of Crookston.

His installation ceremony took place at a Mass on Dec. 6. He is replacing Bishop Michael Hoeppner, who resigned in April 2021 following accusations of covering up sexual abuse allegations. 

The installation Mass took place at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. 

“I am humbled and honored to be asked by the Holy Father to be the next Shepherd of the Diocese of Crookston. I look forward to getting to know the priests, deacons, consecrated religious and many faithful laity of the diocese. I pray that together we can grow to be Christ’s faithful disciples who make present his love in Northwestern Minnesota,” Bishop Andrew Cozzens stated, according to Angelus News. 

The Diocese is delighted to welcome their new Bishop to his position. 

Cozzens attended the Benedictine College in Kansas and after graduating was accepted into the St. Paul Seminary, where he studied for a total of four years, after which he was ordained into the priesthood. 

In the Catholic Church, Bishops are tasked with leading a diocese. He is also able to carry out all of the sacraments and oversees some, such as the confirmation of individuals into the Catholic Church.