Most Rev. Terry Steib

Steib was born in 1940, the eldest of five children of a sugar cane worker on a farm in Vacherie, LA. He entered the Society of the Divine Word order at a high school seminary in Bay St. Louis, MS and was ordained a priest Jan. 6, 1967. Then-Father Steib served his order first at seminaries and then as provincial of the Divine Word’s Southern province until he was appointed an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Louis on Dec. 6, 1983. He was ordained a bishop Feb. 10, 1984. He also served as vicar general of the St. Louis Archdiocese.

He was appointed fourth bishop of Memphis on March 23, 1993 — at that time, one of only two Black bishops to head a U.S. diocese, which he did until his retirement by canon law at age 76 in 2016.  

One of his most significant achievements was the re-opening of eight Catholic schools to create one Catholic school system.  Known as the “Jubilee” schools. “When we closed a school in an urban area, we were leaving more than buildings behind; we were leaving behind children who yearned for a Catholic school more than ever,” says Bishop Steib, adding that “it is the heritage of Catholic education to lift up those most in need.”

For over 50 years, serving as priest and bishop — Steib has lifted up those in need; a faithful friend to NBCCC as well as to the greater Black community.