Diocese of Orange to Ordain Huntington Beach Native Timothy Freyer as New Auxiliary Bishop
Bishop-elect Timothy Freyer will assist Bishop Kevin Vann in caring for the spiritual needs of more than 1.3 million Catholics in Orange County, Calif.
Orange, Calif., (January 13, 2017) – Huntington Beach native and priest of the Diocese of Orange for the past 27 years, Bishop-elect Timothy Freyer, will be elevated to the role of Auxiliary Bishop of Orange in a solemn and ancient ceremony.
Episcopal Ordination Ceremony
- When: Tuesday, January 17, 2017, at 2:00 p.m.
- Where: St. Columban Church (10801 Stanford Ave, Garden Grove)
- Celebrant: The Most Reverend Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange
Bishop-elect Freyer will join Bishop Vann in caring for the multifaceted and complex needs of a diverse and growing Diocese of more than 1.3 million faithful.
“We are blessed as a Church to welcome such a humble servant as our new Auxiliary Bishop. I have had the pleasure of working closely with Bishop-elect Freyer over the past several years and have admired his generosity, faithfulness and intellect. I look forward to seeing his ministry develop over the coming years and the many gifts he will bring to the faithful of Orange in his new role,” said Bishop Vann.
“I am looking forward to joining and supporting the incredible work and ministry of Bishop Vann. His efforts to evangelize and care for the marginalized in our communities is an inspiration and something I plan to take an active role in supporting. Additionally, as a former pastor I am focused on caring for our parish and school communities and assisting our pastors in caring for the spiritual needs of our flock,” said Bishop-elect Timothy Freyer.
About Bishop-elect Timothy Freyer
Bishop-elect Freyer’s roots are in Southern California. He was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Huntington Beach. After graduating from Huntington Beach High School, he entered St. John’s Seminary College in Camarillo, where he earned his bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of graduate study in Theology at St. John’s Seminary. He was ordained a priest on June 10, 1989.
Pastoral Assignments
Bishop-elect Freyer has held numerous roles within the Diocese of Orange, including:
- Parochial Vicar: St. Hedwig in Los Alamitos, Our Lady of Fatima in San Clemente, and St. Catherine of Siena in Laguna Beach.
- Pastor: St. Mary’s in Fullerton (2001) and St. Boniface in Anaheim (2003).
Diocesan and Community Leadership
In addition to his parish work, his service has included:
- Episcopal Vicar for Priests (2012): Responsible for the care and ongoing formation of the priests of the Diocese of Orange.
- Bishop’s Liaison to Jovenes para Cristo (1998-2004): Assisted the Young Adults for Christ movement in writing their statutes and expanding to other states.
- Founding Board Member: Anaheim Family Justice Center (now Orange County Family Justice Center), assisting victims of domestic violence.
- Board of Trustees: St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton (two terms).
- Police Chaplain: Anaheim Police Department.
Bishop-elect Freyer is the only child of Jerry and Patricia Freyer. His father died in 1977, and his mother currently resides in Huntington Beach.
Pastoral Center: Communications Department
13280 Chapman Ave. Garden Grove, CA 92840
Office: 714-282-3075
Fax: 714-282-3025