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Kansas City Welcomes New Archbishop Shawn McKnight

Community members gather to celebrate the new appointment of the Archbishop in Kansas City.

News Summary

Kansas City is buzzing with excitement as Pope Francis appoints Most Reverend Shawn McKnight as the fifth archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. His introduction is set for a live-streamed press conference. McKnight expresses gratitude for his service at the Diocese of Jefferson City and looks forward to his new responsibilities while reflecting on the bittersweet nature of this transition. With a strong legacy to uphold after former Archbishop Joseph Naumann’s retirement, McKnight aims to foster community bonds and outreach.

Kansas City Welcomes a New Archbishop

The vibrant city of Kansas City is buzzing with excitement as Pope Francis has officially appointed the Most Reverend Shawn McKnight as the fifth archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas. This announcement has come through the Diocese of Jefferson City, and it’s certainly a big deal for both the diocese and the archdiocese!

Looking Ahead

McKnight’s introduction as the Archbishop-designate will take place during a live-streamed press conference in Kansas City at 1 p.m. on Tuesday. The anticipation is building as many look forward to his vision and plans for the community. In a heartfelt message, McKnight said he is immensely grateful to the Diocese of Jefferson City, where he has served diligently as bishop for over seven years. His work there has undoubtedly touched many lives, and his gratitude shows just how committed he is to the people he serves.

Transition Period

Although it’s a time of joy, there is a bittersweet note to this transition. McKnight will remain at the helm of the Diocese of Jefferson City for the next seven weeks until his official installation as archbishop on May 27. He expressed his mixed feelings about the change, highlighting the duality of saying goodbye to a beloved community while embracing the new responsibilities that await him.

Looking to the Future

After McKnight is installed, the Diocese of Jefferson City will be busy. The College of Consultors will need to elect an administrator to maintain leadership until a new bishop is appointed by the Pope. This is one of those behind-the-scenes moments that helps ensure that everything continues to run smoothly even with big transitions happening.

Farewell to a Veteran Leader

The responsibilities left by the former archbishop, Joseph Naumann, are significant. Naumann has tendered his resignation after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75. Serving for over 20 years since 2005, he has left a strong legacy—one that McKnight is now set to build upon as he enters this pivotal leadership role.

A Glimpse into McKnight’s Background

Born in Wichita, McKnight was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Wichita in May 1994. His impressive educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Dallas and advanced theology degrees from the Pontifical Athenaeum of St. Anselm in Rome, where his dissertation explored the remarkable topic of the permanent diaconate.

McKnight’s extensive experience includes various roles, such as a chaplain and faculty member at Newman University in Wichita, along with his significant six-year tenure as the executive director of the Secretariat for Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations of the USCCB in Washington, D.C. He was appointed as the fourth bishop of Jefferson City in early 2018, reflecting his longstanding commitment to the Church and community.

The Archdiocese’s Expansive Reach

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, established in 1850, serves over 120,000 Catholics spread across 12,500 square miles in 21 counties. The archdiocese is a key part of the greater metropolitan area that encompasses Kansas City, Missouri, which adds a layer of cultural richness and diversity to its mission.

A Time for Reflection and Action

In light of recent events, including the tragic murder of Father Arul Carasala outside his parish rectory in Seneca, Kansas, McKnight appears highly motivated to emphasize the importance of community bonds. He has articulated a vision for actively engaging with local governments and communities, focusing on inclusivity and outreach. It seems clear that his heart is set on fostering relationships that make a lasting impact.

As Kansas City prepares to welcome its new archbishop, it’s an exciting chapter for the community and the Church, full of hope and anticipation.