Pope Leo X appoints a new episcopal leader for Jefferson City
New Bishop for Jefferson City Diocese Announced
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Father Ralph O'Donnell as the new Bishop of Jefferson City, Missouri. The announcement was made on Aug. 19, 2025, and brings a seasoned pastor with a great heart for the people he serves to the local Church.
Father O'Donnell, a priest of the Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska, has a rich pastoral experience, having served in several parishes and various roles within the Church. He was previously the vocation director for the Archdiocese of Omaha, pastor of St. Bridget and St. Rose Parishes in Omaha, and director of the permanent diaconate for the Archdiocese of Omaha. From 2015 to his appointment, he was at the USCCB's office, taking over from Archbishop W. Shawn McKnight.
Archbishop McKnight, who was the bishop of Jefferson City, Missouri, but was named archbishop of Kansas City, Kansas four months prior to Father O'Donnell's appointment, praises the decision. He describes Bishop-designate O'Donnell as a "proven pastor with a great heart for the people he serves." Archbishop Michael G. McGovern of Omaha echoes these sentiments, calling him a "wonderful priest."
Bishop-designate O'Donnell's exceptional experience in the formation of priests and the accompaniment of religious, due to his leadership and service at Conception Seminary, will undoubtedly be of great benefit to the diocese. He has also served as associate pastor of Mary Our Queen Parish and St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Omaha, as well as chaplain of the Omaha chapter of Legatus.
Archbishop McKnight and Bishop-designate O'Donnell have a long-standing friendship and history of collaboration. Archbishop McKnight expresses joy at the news of Bishop-Elect O'Donnell's appointment and confirms that the diocese will be in good hands with him.
Bishop-designate O'Donnell was ordained on June 7, 1997. He holds a bachelor's degree in religion from Conception Seminary College in Conception, Missouri (1993), a master's of divinity from St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois (1997), and a master's in spirituality from Creighton University in Omaha (2000).
The USCCB Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, which Father Ralph O'Donnell previously headed, assists the bishops in promoting, supporting, and educating about the church's pastoral needs and concerns for the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life. However, the article does not provide any new information about the committee or Bishop-designate O'Donnell's educational background beyond what has been mentioned.
The appointment of Bishop-designate Ralph O'Donnell is a significant step for the Jefferson City Diocese, and his dedication to the Church and its people is evident. His leadership and pastoral experience will undoubtedly serve the diocese well in the years to come.
