"I am humbled by the confidence placed in me by the Holy Father to serve God’s people as an auxiliary bishop," said Kirkpatrick. "While it will be difficult to leave the diocese of St. Catharines, where I have served since my ordination day, I very much look forward to working with Cardinal (Thomas) Collins, the other auxiliary bishops and the vibrant faith community of the archdiocese of Toronto.”

Collins welcomed the announcement, which will bring the number of auxiliary bishops to four in Toronto, Canada's largest diocese.

"We give thanks for the appointment of Bishop-designate Kirkpatrick," said Collins. "He brings with him many diverse gifts and a wealth of experience from his years of service to the diocese of St. Catharines. Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he embarks on this new chapter of ministry.”

Kirkpatrick was born June 5, 1957 in St. Catharines. He studied at the University of Waterloo, St. Jerome’s College, earning a Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) before entering St. Augustine’s Seminary in 1980. He completed a Masters of Divinity and was ordained to the priesthood on Sept. 1, 1984. He also studied at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, receiving a Licentiate (Masters) in Canon Law in June 1990.

Kirkpatrick has served the St. Catharines diocese in diverse roles since his ordination, including 22 years in diocesan administration, concurrently serving in parish ministry as a pastor for 17 years. He presently serves as moderator of the curia, chancellor and judicial vicar of the diocese, as well as rector of the cathedral. Kirkpatrick was named a Prelate of Honour by Pope John Paul II in June 1999, a Papal Honour that bestows the title of “Monsignor” on priests recognized for their service to the Church.

The archdiocese of Toronto has 1.9 million faithful, with more than 800 diocesan and religious priests providing pastoral leadership in 225 churches throughout the GTA.