Most Reverend Hubert Joseph Hart
1978-2001

The Coat of Arms of His Excellency

Hubert Joseph Hart was born on Sept. 26, 1931, the son of Hubert and Kathryn Rose Muser Hart in Kansas City, Missouri. His brother, Father James Hart, is retired priest of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. His sister Rosemary Hart lives in Kansas City, Missouri., and is a human resource director for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Bishop Hart attended St. Peter's Grade School from 1936 to 1944, Bishop Hogan High School, 1944 to 1948, and Rockhurst College before entering the seminary. He attended St. John's Seminary and then St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana for the remainder of his seminary training.

His parochial assignments included: assistant pastor at Guardian Angels Parish, 1956 to 1962, and Visitation Parish in Kansas city, 1962 to 1966. He assisted at St. Therese's parish and St. James Parish in Kansas Cit while serving as vice chancellor of the diocese from 1964 to 1969. In 1969, he was appointed pastor of St. John Francis Regis Parish in Kansas City until 1976.

Bishop Hart taught as Bishop Lillis High School, Loretta Academy and at St. Pius X School for Special Education in Kansas City.

After his ordination on Aug. 31, 1976, Bishop Hubert Newell appointed Bishop Hart Vicar general of he diocese and pastor of St. Patrick's parish in Casper. On April 25, 1978, Bishop Hart was named the sixth bishop of Cheyenne and his installation was held on June 12, 1978 at St. Mary's Cathedral.

During his time as bishop, he has served on the administrative board of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, as a member of the Bishops' committee for Priestly Life and Ministry, along with other assignments.

Bishop Hart currently serves as a member of the administrative board of the Conference of Catholic Bishops.

During Bishop Hart's tenure as ordinary of the Diocese of Cheyenne, the annual Bishop's Appeal was begun to fund programs of the diocese. The Legacy of Faith Campaign for the future of the diocese continues to support programs.

Bishop Hart ordained 25 priests during his time as the ordinary. He has served as chairman of the Bishops of Region 13 for six years.

In 1986, the offices of the diocese were consolidated into a former bank building next to St. Mary's Cathedral and some offices remain in Casper.

Bishop Hart retired on September 26, 2001.