Pope Leo XIII names a new leader for Jefferson City diocese
Pope Appoints Father Ralph O'Donnell as Bishop of Jefferson City, Missouri
In a significant move, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Father Ralph O'Donnell as the new Bishop of Jefferson City, Missouri. The appointment was made public on August 19, 2025.
Father O'Donnell brings a wealth of pastoral experience to his new role. He has been a pastor of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Omaha since 2019 and has served in several parishes, including Mary Our Queen Parish and St. Vincent de Paul Parish. He also served as the chaplain of the Omaha chapter of Legatus.
Before his appointment as bishop, Father O'Donnell was a priest and held various roles within the Archdiocese of Omaha. He was the head of the USCCB's office from 2015 to 2019, replacing Archbishop McKnight. He has also served as vocation director, pastor of St. Bridget and St. Rose Parishes, director of the permanent diaconate, and until 2015 - vice rector/dean of students for Conception Seminary College.
Archbishop Michael G. McGovern of Omaha described Father O'Donnell as a "wonderful priest" and "a proven pastor with a great heart for the people he serves." Archbishop McKnight, who headed the Diocese of Jefferson City since February 2018, praised the appointment, expressing joy and confidence in Father O'Donnell's leadership.
The appointment follows Archbishop McKnight's move to Kansas City, Kansas in April 2021, where he was named archbishop. The previous bishop, W. Shawn McKnight, also moved to Kansas City, Kansas in the same month, having been named archbishop of Kansas City, Kansas.
Father O'Donnell's leadership and service in the formation of priests and the accompaniment of religious at Conception Seminary have given him exceptional experience. He holds degrees from Conception Seminary College, St. Mary of the Lake, and Creighton University.
The USCCB Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations assists the bishops in promoting, supporting, and educating about the church's pastoral needs and concerns for the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life. It is expected that Father O'Donnell's expertise in these areas will be beneficial to the Diocese of Jefferson City.
The article was updated on August 19, 2025 at 6:23 p.m. ET. As Father O'Donnell embarks on his new journey as the shepherd of the local Church in Jefferson City, he brings a rich pastoral experience and a heart for the people he serves.
