Robert William Muench

Robert Muench was born in Louisville, Kentucky, to William Anthony and Mary Kathryn (née Allgeier) Muench; he has three sisters, Jo Ann, Mary Alice, and Marsha.[1] At age 3, he and his family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. He entered St. Joseph Seminary in 1956, and then Notre Dame Seminary in 1962, from where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy.

From 1964 to 1968, Muench studied at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., earning a Master's in Education. He also attended courses at Loyola University and the University of New Orleans.[1]

Muench was ordained to the priesthood on May 18, 1968.[2] He then sat on the faculty of St. John Vianney Preparatory School until 1977, serving as religion teacher, liturgy director, guidance counselor, and eventually rector. During this time, Muench also assisted at various parishes in New Orleans. He was associate pastor and later co-pastor of St. Matthias Church between 1976 and 1982.[1]

Muench served as Vicar for Christian Formation (1977-1981) and Director of Vocations (1981-1983) for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He was named Director of the Pope John XXIII House for Vocation Discernment and Executive Assistant to Archbishop Philip Hannan in 1983. After becoming an Honorary Prelate of His Holiness in 1985, he was made Vicar General (1989) and Moderator of the Curia (1990) for the archdiocese.[1]

On May 8, 1990, Muench was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans and Titular Bishop of Mactaris by Pope John Paul II. He received his episcopal consecration on the following June 29 from Archbishop Francis Schulte, with Archbishop Hannan and Bishop John Favalora serving as co-consecrators.[2] He selected as his episcopal motto, "Jesus Must Increase" (John 3:30).[3]

• Roman Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge Official Site