January 12, 1985
Bishop Mark K. Carroll
Bishop Carroll was born on November 19, 1896 in St. Louis, MO and received his education at Visitation School, St. Louis Preparatory Seminary, and Kenrick Major Seminary all in St. Louis. Cardinal Glennon ordained him to the priesthood on June 10, 1922. In St. Louis he was pastor at St. Louis of France Parish and St. Margaret Parish as well as serving as vice-chancellor. On February 15, 1947 he was appointed Bishop-elect of Wichita, was consecrated bishop in St. Louis Cathedral on April 23, 1947 and was installed as Bishop of Wichita on May 6, 1947. As bishop he received an award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews in 1951; received approval for the division of the Diocese of Wichita and the founding of the Diocese of Dodge City in 1951; held a Diocesan Synod in 1958; and received a coadjutor bishop (Bishop Leo Byrne) in 1961. Bishop Carroll resigned as Ordinary on February 15, 1963 but retained the title of Bishop of Wichita until September 27, 1967. Bishop Byrne became apostolic administrator of the diocese on February 15, 1963. Bishop Carroll lived in retirement at the cathedral and at St. Joseph Medical Center where he died on January 12, 1985. Archbishop Strecker was principal celebrant and Bishop Gerber was homilist at his funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery in Wichita. Bishop Gerber wrote of the much beloved bishop, “Bishop Carroll was fully a man, fully a priest, fully a bishop.” (The Catholic Advance, Jan. 17, 1985)