Frequently asked questions about this time of transition for the diocese
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With the announcement of Archbishop-designate W. Shawn McKnight’s new appointment, the Diocese of Jefferson City enters into a time of transition.
Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about this time:
When is Archbishop-designate McKnight leaving the Diocese of Jefferson City?
Archbishop-designate McKnight will officially cease governing the Diocese of Jefferson City when he is installed as Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas.
The installation Mass will take place at 11 a.m. on May 27, 2025, at the Church of the Nativity in Leawood, Kansas. As there is very limited seating, the installation will be livestreamed for all to watch. More details will be available later.
What happens between now and his installation in Kansas City, Kansas?
Archbishop-designate McKnight will continue his role governing the Diocese of Jefferson City until his installation in the Archdiocese. During this time, he is expected to govern according to the canonical principle of “sede vacante, nihil innovetur” — that is, “When the see is vacant, nothing is to be altered” (cf. Code of Canon Law, can. 428, 1). This will restrict his ability to approve major changes or innovations during this time of transition.
All initiatives, programs, pastoral plans and decisions already in place are to be carried out during the interim.
Who will lead the diocese after the installation?
After the installation in Kansas City on May 27, the See of Jefferson City will be officially vacant. The diocesan College of Consultors will meet to elect a diocesan administrator for the Diocese of Jefferson City.
The College of Consultors in the Diocese of Jefferson City is comprised of:
- Very Reverend Brad T. Berhorst, JCL
- Very Reverend Christopher L. Cordes
- Reverend Monsignor David D. Cox
- Very Reverend Jason T. Doke, STL
- Reverend Monsignor Gregory L. Higley
- Reverend Monsignor Robert A. Kurwicki
- Very Reverend P. Gregory Oligschlaeger
- Very Reverend R. William Peckman
Once selected, the diocesan administrator will serve as the leader of the diocese until a new bishop of Jefferson City is appointed by the Holy Father and takes canonical possession of the diocese.
The diocesan administrator can fully govern the diocese and make all necessary decisions to safeguard it while awaiting the appointment of a new bishop. He is, however, bound by the same principle: sede vacante, nihil innovetur — When the see is vacant, nothing is to be altered. This means that he will be obligated to carry out all existing diocesan laws and policies, which he will not be empowered to change.
What happens to the policies that have been implemented in the Diocese of Jefferson City?
The departure of a bishop does not nullify his policies. Clergy, religious, staff and the faithful are expected to continue to work to fulfill the requirements that have been put in place in the diocese.
When will we get a new bishop?
There is no official timeline for the selection of a new bishop. Once Pope Francis has appointed a new bishop to lead the Diocese of Jefferson City, and he has accepted, the announcement will be published in the daily Vatican Bulletin.
This could happen at any time. However, in recent similar situations, it has taken several months for a new bishop to be named.
In the meantime, we encourage all the faithful to pray for Archbishop-designate McKnight, our diocese and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas during this time of transition.
Let us also pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to guide the Holy Father as he discerns the next shepherd for our diocese.
