Kevin Michael Birmingham | |
|---|---|
| Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago | |
| See | Archdiocese of Chicago |
| Appointed | September 11, 2020 |
| Installed | November 13, 2020 |
| Term ended | October 2, 2023 |
| Other post | Titular Bishop ofDolia (2020–2023) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | May 24, 1997 by Francis George |
| Consecration | November 13, 2020 by Blase J. Cupich,John R. Manz, andJoseph N. Perry |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1971-10-07)October 7, 1971 Oak Lawn, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | October 2, 2023(2023-10-02) (aged 51) Riverside, Illinois, U.S. |
| Education | Loyola University Chicago University of Saint Mary of the Lake Niles College Seminary |
| Motto | Tend my people |
| Styles of Kevin Michael Birmingham | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Reference style | |
| Spoken style | Your Excellency |
| Religious style | Bishop |
Kevin Michael Birmingham (October 7, 1971 – October 2, 2023) was an Americanprelate of theRoman Catholic Church who was namedauxiliary bishop for theArchdiocese of Chicago in 2020.
Kevin Birmingham was born on October 7, 1971, inOak Lawn, Illinois, the seventh of ten children. He attended public primary school in theChicago Ridge School District in Chicago Ridge, Illinois. Birmingham then enteredQuigley Preparatory Seminary South in Chicago. To pay for bus transportation to Quigley, Birmingham worked a paper route and odd jobs.[1]
After graduating from Quigley, Birmingham enteredLoyola University Chicago in 1987. He was originally planning to major in computer science but soon decided to enter the priesthood. Birmingham transferred in 1989 toNiles College Seminary at Loyola, graduating in 1993 with aBachelor of Philosophy degree. Birmingham then attendedUniversity of St. Mary of the Lake, obtaining a degree in 1997.[2][1]
On May 24, 1997, Birmingham was ordained to the priesthood by CardinalFrancis George.[3] After his ordination, Birmingham traveled toMexico City, where he celebrated his second mass as a priest at theBasilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.[1][2]
Returning to Illinois, Birmingham was assigned as associated pastor for St. Peter Claver Mission Parish inRobbins, Illinois. He was transferred in 2001 to the same position at St. Benedict Parish inBlue Island, Illinois. In 2001, Birmingham started serving at St. Francis of Assisi Parish inOrland Park, Illinois.[2] In 2005, Birmingham was named pastor of St. Anne Parish in Hazel Crest, Illinois, staying there until 2011.[2] From 2005 to 2009, he also served on the Priests’ Placement Board for the archdiocese. Birmingham joined thePresbyteral Council in 2006. In 2011, he was appointed pastor of Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Chicago and in 2013 dean ofDeanery III-A.[2]
Pope Francis appointed Birmingham as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago and titular bishop ofDolia on September 11, 2020.[4][5][6][7] On November 13, 2020, he was consecrated atHoly Name Cathedral in Chicago.[3]
On weekends, Birmingham celebrated mass in Spanish at St. John Berchmans Parish in Chicago.[1]
Birmingham was episcopal vicar of Vicariate IV in Chicago. When Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Joseph N. Perry on September 19, 2023, Blase Cardinal Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, appointed Birmingham to be Perry's replacement as episcopal vicar of Vicariate VI.[8]
Birmingham died in his sleep on October 2, 2023, at age 51.[9][10][11][12]
| Catholic Church titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by — | Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago 2020–2023 | Succeeded by — |
| Preceded by | Titular Bishop of Dolia 2020–2023 | Succeeded by Vacant |
