A new bishop is named to the Salina Catholic Diocese, which includes Hays, and he has ties to Hays.

According to a news release, Monsignor Edward J. Weisenburger of Oklahoma City is the Bishop-elect.  The 51-year-old Weisenburger  presently serves as  vicar general of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the rector of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral in Oklahoma City.

His mother was born and raised in Ellis County, and Weisenburger spent two of his childhood years in Hays but grew up in Lawton, Oklahoma.

Weisenburger is expected to be ordained as Salina bishop May 1 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Salina, a spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City says.

The diocese has been without since Bishop Paul S. Coakley  was named archbishop of Oklahoma City in  2010.