GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — A monsignor from Omaha has been chosen to lead Roman Catholics in the Grand Island Diocese.

The appointment of Monsignor Joseph Hanefeldt was announced Wednesday. He will replace Bishop William Dendinger, who submitted his resignation on his 75th birthday, as is required of all bishops. Dendinger has held the post since 2004.

The 56-year-old Hanefeldt was born in Creighton and grew up on an 800-acre farm near Center. Hanefeldt has been the pastor of Omaha’s Christ the King Parish since 2012.

Hanefeldt will be installed as bishop on March 19 at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The diocese covers more than 42,000 square miles in central and western Nebraska.