Most Reverend Erik T. Pohlmeier

11th Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine

Biography

Born on July 20, 1971, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Bishop Erik Thomas Pohlmeier is the son of Deacon Tom and Sharon Pohlmeier. He was raised in Paris, Arkansas, along with his three brothers and one sister. He has 20 nieces and nephews. His deep roots in family and faith continue to shape his pastoral approach, emphasizing communion, accompaniment and missionary discipleship.

Ordinations 

• Ordained to the transitional diaconate: October 2, 1997, at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
• Ordained to the priesthood: July 25, 1998, at Subiaco Abbey, Subiaco, Arkansas
• Appointed Bishop of St. Augustine by Pope Francis on May 15, 2022
• Ordained and installed as the 11th Bishop of St. Augustine on July 22, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Jacksonville

Education 

• University of Arkansas (1989–1991), studied mechanical engineering
• St. Meinrad College, Indiana (1992–1994), Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
• Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome (1994–1997), Bachelor of Sacred Theology, Magna Cum Laude
• Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), Rome (1997–1998), Licentiate in Spiritual Theology, Summa Cum Laude

Priestly Ministry in the Diocese of Little Rock

Ordained for the Diocese of Little Rock, Bishop Pohlmeier served for 24 years, where he was recognized as a gifted teacher, pastor and leader in faith formation. His assignments included associate pastor and pastor at multiple parishes, often serving rural and multilingual communities and director of Faith Formation and Deacon Formation.

Ministry as Bishop of St. Augustine

Since his appointment as Bishop of St. Augustine in 2022, Bishop Pohlmeier has emphasized a renewed vision for evangelization rooted in personal encounter with Jesus Christ, the Eucharist and the life of the Church. Guided by his episcopal motto, “Seek First the Kingdom of God,” he calls the faithful to live as missionary disciples in everyday life.

A consistent theme in his teaching has been that evangelization begins one person at a time, through relationships built on trust, witness and prayer. “Evangelization isn’t a presentation—it’s a relationship,” he has said. “We bring people back to God one-on-one by walking with them.”

He has prioritized:

• Deepening the Eucharistic identity of the diocese
• Strengthening catechesis and adult faith formation
• Establishing a new Deacon Formation Program
• Promoting vocations to the priesthood, religious life and lay leadership
• Encouraging missionary discipleship among all Catholics in North Florida
• Accompanying young adults and families in a changing culture
• Supporting Hispanic ministry, rural outreach and fostering unity across a diverse 17-county diocesan community

National and Regional Leadership

Bishop Pohlmeier currently serves on the following boards and committees:

• The USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis
• Chair of the USCCB Subcommittee on the Catechism, guiding national efforts on religious education
• On the Board of Trustees of the Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI), which supports Hispanic ministry across the Southeastern United States
• Board of Directors of Walking with Purpose, a national Catholic women’s Bible study apostolate
• Board of Trustees of St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida
• Board of Directors of the Florida Catholic Conference

Official Photos