David Toups
David Leon Toups (born 26 March 1971) is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He has been serving as bishop of the Diocese of Beaumont in Texas since 2020. Biography. Early life. Toups was born on March 26, 1971 in Seattle, Washington. He first attended Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida, before entering St. John Vianney College Seminary. Toups graduated from the seminary in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Theology. He then entered the Pontifical North American College in Rome. He ultimately obtained a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree and a  Licentiate of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University He also received a Doctor in Sacred Theology degree from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum). Priestly career. Toups was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg on June 14, 1997 at the Cathedral of Saint Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg by Bishop Robert Lynch. He served on the diocesan Presbyteral Council from 1997 to 2001. Subsequently he served on the National Board of the National Federation of Priests’ Councils from 1997-2001. Toups also served as the parochial vicar of St. Frances Cabrini Parish  in Spring Hill, Florida, from 1997 to 2001. From 2000 to 2002, he served as observer for Region IV to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) November meetings. In 2002, Toups went to Rome to study at the Angelicum, receiving a Doctor of Sacred Theology degree in 2004. After returning to Florida, he served at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida, as professor of sacramental and liturgical theology, assistant dean of students, and then dean of students. He also served as a member of the Administrative Council, the Faculty Council and the Seminary Formation Team  for the diocese until 2006. From 2007 to 2010, Toups also served as the associate director of the Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations at the USCCB. Toups became the pastor of Christ the King Parish in 2010, serving there until 2012. Since 2012, Toups had served as rector of the St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary. Bishop of Beaumont. On June 9, 2020, Pope Francis appointed Toups as bishop of the Diocese of Beaumont. He was consecrated by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo on August 21, 2020 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Anthony in Beaumont. Toups chose as his  episcopal motto , based on his predecessor's motto and his mother's favorite quote, “For those who love God, all things work together for good.” Episcopal succession.