The Roman Catholic Church announced Tuesday that it has filled the position of bishop in the Diocese of Steubenville. That diocese has been without a bishop for a year.

Vatican Radio, the official broadcasting service of the Vatican, announced early Tuesday Pope Benedict XVI appointed Monsignor Jeffrey M. Monforton the new bishop.

Monforton was previously pastor of the Saint Andrew Parish in Rochester, Mich., and is originally from Detroit.

In Steubenville, after the announcement was made, everyone involved said they are very excited about the decision -- especially Monforton.

"Nervous, excited. Yes to all I think in some ways. I'm delighted. It really knocked me off my horse, so to speak," Monforton said.

He said he received a call about two weeks ago offering him the position as the bishop for the Diocese of Steubenville, an offer he quickly accepted.
Former Bishop Daniel Conlon left last July to take the position as a bishop in Illinois. Conlon did much for the diocese and Monforton said he plans to continue doing the same.

"I certainly don't wish to deviate from that, but certainly to continue on assessing and being proactive in making certain the churches themselves are as welcoming and accessible as possible to people," he said.

Before he takes on the official title, Monforton said he has to learn a lot about what it means to be a bishop, but that's something he and his mother are confident he will be able to do.

Virginia Monforton said, "I'm just so proud and it's a blessed day for the church and especially here in the diocese of Ohio and it's a joyous day for our family."

An official date has not been set for his installation and ordination, but officials said that should happen within about three months.