This week, Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop-elect Ralph O’Donnell, 55, a priest of the Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska, as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Jefferson City. During his introductory press conference at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Bishop-elect O’Donnell stated that what he was most excited for in his new role was “coming to know the Lord more deeply” with those in the diocese. “He calls us as he has ever been calling through the centuries, and it is such a gift in our faith,” the Bishop-elect stated. “And so, to be a part of that with you and to lead you is a real privilege. I look forward to that the most.” “This is my home, to come and be with you,” he said.
While Bishop-elect O’Donnell was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, he has more than a passing familiarity with his new diocese. O’Donnell was a classmate of several priests of the Jefferson City diocese at Conception Seminary College in Conception, MO. He also helped with the formation of several other priests of the diocese while serving as Conception Seminary’s vice rector.
Bishop-elect O’Donnell succeeds Archbishop Shawn McKnight, who led the Diocese of Jefferson City for seven years before being appointed to the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
You can read more about Bishop-elect O’Donnell in this story from the Catholic Missourian.