Bishop of Diocese of Nelson, Roman Catholic

Gregory J. Bittman was born on March 5, 1961, in Edmonton, the eldest of three boys. Gregory J. Bittman earned a diploma in nursing from the Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Alberta. He worked as a nurse for several years before entering the seminary to study for the priesthood. In 1991, he obtained a Master’s of Divinity Degree from Christ the King Seminary in Mission, B.C.  In 2009, he obtained a Licentiate in Canon Law from the Catholic University of America. He was ordained to the priesthood on August 15, 1996, at St. Joseph’s Basilica by Archbishop Joseph MacNeil. Bishop Bittman is a pianist, amateur organist and avid runner. He holds a black belt in karate and enjoys scuba diving. He is known for his work as an apprentice home renovator as well as being a doting uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Bishop Bittman was appointed Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Edmonton in 2000 and was named as Judicial Vicar in 2009. He was an ex officio member of the College of Consultors, the Presbyteral Council, the Clergy Personnel Committee, the Project Review Board and the Finance Committee in the Archdiocese of Edmonton. He has also served as Spiritual Director to seminarians over the last few years.

Bishop Bittman was appointed the first Auxiliary Bishop of Edmonton by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on July 14, 2012. He was ordained to the episcopate on September 3, 2012, the Feast of St. Gregory the Great, at St. Joseph’s Basilica. On February 6, 2018, His Holiness Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of the Diocese of Nelson and Bishop Gregory Bittman was installed as the 7^th Bishop of Nelson on April 25, 2018.