Native Son of the Diocese of Toledo Named Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, D.C.
The Diocese of Toledo rejoices in the joyful news that Bishop-elect Gary R. Studniewski, a native son of northwest Ohio, has been appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington. The appointment was announced on May 1 by Pope Leo XIV.
Born on May 8, 1957, in Toledo, Bishop-elect Studniewski’s roots run deep in the Diocese of Toledo. His early formation included studies at the University of Toledo, where he earned a Bachelor of Education in Biology and received an Army commission through the ROTC program in 1979.
He went on to serve his country with distinction in the United States Army, holding assignments with the 82nd Airborne Division Artillery and the 3rd Infantry Division Artillery in Europe, as well as in the Army’s Personnel Command in Alexandria, Virginia.
In 1989, he discerned a call to the priesthood and entered seminary at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. During his years of formation, he studied at the University of St. Thomas Aquinas, earning both a Bachelor and Licentiate in Sacred Theology. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Washington on June 24, 1995.
Father Studniewski faithfully served as a military chaplain from 1995 to 2014, retiring with the rank of colonel. Following his military service, he continued his priestly ministry in parish life, serving at Assumption Parish in Washington, St. Francis Xavier Parish in Leonardtown, Maryland, and St. Peter’s Parish in Washington. Since 2022, he has served as pastor of the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Reflecting on the appointment, Bishop Daniel E. Thomas shared his personal congratulations and prayers:
“Please join me in warmly and prayerfully congratulating Bishop-elect Studniewski on his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, D.C. It is a joy to see a native son of our Diocese called to this important role of service in the Church. I had the privilege of meeting him during our time in Rome and came to know him as a faithful and dedicated priest. May the Lord strengthen him with every grace to serve the people of God with generosity, fidelity, and joyful holiness. Ad multos annos!”
As the Diocese of Toledo celebrates this moment of grace, the faithful are invited to pray for Bishop-elect Studniewski as he prepares to undertake his new ministry in service to the Church.
Posted May 4, 2026 at 3:00 pm