Washington D.C., Sep 21, 2009 / 18:04 pm
A Wichita priest has been named head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Secretariat for Consecrated Life and Vocations.
Fr. W. Shawn McKnight, 41, is pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Wichita, Kansas. He will assume his USCCB position in July 2010.
Msgr. David Malloy, General Secretary of the USCCB, commented in a press release that Fr. McKnight has an “extraordinary background” for the position.
“In addition to parish work, his experience includes years in seminary formation, education of deacons, college chaplaincy and membership on his diocesan presbyteral council,” the monsignor related. “I am grateful that Bishop Michael Jackels of Wichita is permitting him to serve the U.S. bishops in this national position.”