Most Reverend Vincent M. Rizzotto, D.D., J.C.L.
Class of 1949

Bishop Rizzotto attended St. Mary's Seminary in La Porte, Texas, after graduating from St. Thomas, and was ordained a priest for Diocese of Galveston-Houston on May 26, 1956. Rizzotto served in parishes in Houston and Port Arthur. During the early years of his ministry he attended the Catholic University of America, where he received a graduate degree in Canon Law in 1963, which prepared him to be an Officialis of the Marriage Tribunal from 1967-1972, a time in which he also was a priest at All Saints Parish.

In 1972, Father Rizzotto was named pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish. He was appointed Monsignor in 1978. In 1982, Msgr. Rizzotto was named pastor of St. Cecilia Catholic Community, a position he held for 20 years. During his tenure as pastor he was appointed Protonotary Apostolic in February 2000 and ordained Bishop on July 31, 2001. He now serves as Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston.

Bishop Rizzotto served the diocese in many ways beyond the Marriage Tribunal. He was President of the Priests Senate, Diocesan Coordinator of the Liturgical Commission, Diocesan Consultor to the Bishop, Director for Secretariat of Chaplaincy Services and Clergy Formation, Vicar of Ethnic Ministries, Vicar of African American Catholics and presently Chairman of the Priest Personnel Board. Catholic Charities also awarded him the prestigious Msgr. John J. Roach Recognition Award.

Inducted into St. Thomas Hall of Honor November 20, 2003.