Most Reverend Erik T. Pohlmeier

Biography

Born on July 20, 1971, in Colorado Springs, Colo., Bishop Pohlmeier is the son of Deacon Tom and Sharon Pohlmeier. He was reared in Paris, Ark. with his three brothers, Keith (Melissa) of Springfield, Va., Deacon Jason (Erin) of Fayetteville, Ark., and Kevin (Meagan) of Mulberry, Ark.; one sister, Diane Gehring (Dan) of Highland Village, Texas, and 20 nieces and nephews.

Ordained: 

• To the transitional diaconate, Oct. 2, 1997, St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
• To the priesthood, July 25, 1998, Subiaco Abbey, Subiaco, Ark.
• Appointed Bishop of St. Augustine by Pope Francis, May 15, 2022. The announcement of his appointment was made on May 24, 2022.
• Ordained and installed the 11^th Bishop of St. Augustine, July 22, 2022

Education: 

• University of Arkansas (1989-1991), studied mechanical engineering  
• St. Meinrad College, Ind. (1992-1994), bachelor’s in philosophy
• Gregorian University, Rome (1994-1997), bachelor’s in sacred theology, Magna Cum Laude
• University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome (1997-1998), master’s in spiritual theology, Summa Cum Laude 

Priestly Ministry:

• Associate Pastor, Christ the King Parish, Little Rock, Ark. (1998-2001) 
• Pastor, Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Lake Village, Ark. (2001-2005)
• Holy Child Mission, Dumas, Ark. (2001-2004)
• St. Mary Mission, McGehee, Ark. (2001-2005)
• Holy Spirit Mission, Hamburg, Ark. (2004-2005) 
• Pastor, St. John Parish, Hot Springs, Ark. (2005-2010) 
• Pastor, St. Mary Parish, Hot Springs, Ark. (2007-2010) 
• Assistant Vocations Director (2008-2016) 
• Pastor, Our Lady of the Holy Souls Parish, Little Rock, Ark. (2010-2016) 
• Pastor, Christ the King Parish, Little Rock, Ark. (2020-2022)
• Director, Office of Deacon Formation (2015-2022)
• Director, Office of Faith Formation (2016-2022)
• Theological Consultant for the Arkansas Catholic newspaper (2003-2022)
• Director of Continuing Education of Clergy (2019-2022)

Appointments in the Diocese of Little Rock:

• Diocese of Little Rock Consultor (multiple terms)
• Presbyteral Council (multiple terms)
• Personnel Board (multiple terms)
• Clergy Welfare Board (multiple terms)

Memberships/Organizations:

• Couple to Couple League National Board of Directors (2007-2016)
• Catholic Rural Life Priest Retreat Presenter (2019-2022)

Official Photos