“All of us in the Archdiocese of Detroit are deeply honored that Pope Benedict has chosen Msgr. Monforton, a son of this local Church, to be the bishop of Steubenville. Msgr. Monforton is an exemplary priest and a zealous pastor -- qualities we have come to appreciate during his years in the Detroit presbyterate, especially while he served as rector of Sacred Heart Major Seminary. He will be greatly missed here, but the Lord has called him to greater responsibility for shepherding his flock. Msgr. Monforton goes with our prayers and best wishes; we’re sure he will be a blessing to the pastors and people of the Church in Steubenville.”
-- Archbishop Allen Vigeron of Detroit

“Bishop-elect Jeff is a very holy, faithful and gifted priest. He had a great love for the Church and God’s people. He loves the priesthood and gets along very well with his brother priests. With his broad experience in priestly ministry, he will be a wonderful pastoral bishop in service of the people of the Steubenville Diocese.”
-- Cardinal Adam Maida, Archbishop Emeritus of Detroit

“I am delighted with the appointment of Msgr. Jeffery Monforton, who will become the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Steubenville. During my years as bishop of Steubenville, I had a chance to meet Msgr. Monforton a number of times. While I do not know him well, his experience as a pastor and as the rector of Sacred Heart Seminary in Michigan will serve as a solid foundation for his ministry as bishop. The Diocese of Steubenville is a fine local Church with an outstanding presbyterate. Bishop-designate Monforton will find a community strong in faith and spiritual communion. I ask God’s blessing on him as he prepares to assume his new pastoral office.”
-- Bishop R. Daniel Conlon of Joliet, Ill.

“It is good news for the people of Steubenville, and a loss for us. He’s a well-rounded guy, with a great sense of humor, who was very pastoral toward all of us who worked with him at the seminary. I think his greatest accomplishment to the seminary was expanded the living quarters for seminarians, creating new residence rooms out of areas that were not included in the original renovation under Cardinal Szoka. He loves the outdoors, and loves to go deer-hunting in the fall, so I hope he will still be able to get up to his cottage up north.”
-- Auxiliary Bishop Michael J. Byrnes of Detroit